Classic Eventing Nation

Tamie Smith Takes Three Titles at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T.

By on Mar 22, 2026 12:13 am -

There are approximately 2,300 miles and seven or eight states (depending on your route) separating Temecula, California and Aiken, South Carolina. A few weeks ago, CCI5* winner and Tokyo Olympic traveling reserve Tamie Smith packed up 16 horses between her own and those of some students and drove for three days to reach their temporary home for the next few months.

Smith makes trips to the east coast from her home base in Temecula as frequently as her schedule allows. As she describes it, she makes the trip in order to measure herself and her horses against the more densely-populated (in terms of eventing athletes) East coast.

On Saturday at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T., Smith made good on this leg of a trip that’ll keep her on the East coast through May, taking home victories in three of the FEI divisions.

Lillet 3 Triumphs in CDP Eventing Stables CCI4*-S

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

At 10 years old, Lillet 3 (S.I.E.C. Livello – Princess L) already has an impressive career. The mare, now owned by Molly Duda, initially began her eventing career with German Olympic medalist Andreas Dibowski. She won at the CCI4* level with Dibowski in 2024 before she was sold to the U.S. for Smith to ride. As with any horse, Smith says, it takes time to form a partnership; this weekend, she says, the mare really felt like her horse.

Prior to this weekend, Smith and Lillet 3 had collected three FEI wins, including the CCI4*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm in 2025. To start the 2026 season, she finished first and second, respectively at the Intermediate and Advanced/Intermediate levels in California. With these results in mind, “I came here to compete,” Smith said.

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Impulsion Media.

“I think as riders, we’re always aiming our horses for different results at different competitions, but I came into this competition with all my horses to be competitive,” she continued. “She’s just unbelievable. She’s so fast. She’s such a blood horse, and her stride is beautiful – she’s so rideable. So I was hoping that what happened today would happen, and she just feels like my horse.”

Smith and Lillet 3 finished the weekend on a score of 29.7, adding just three seconds’ worth of time penalties to their initial two-phase score. This is about on par with their average finishing score over the last few FEI events, so it’s safe to say this is a definitive pair to watch, especially with the FEI Eventing World Championships looming large in August.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Sally Spickard.

US Olympian Caroline Pamukcu and her Paris Olympic horse, HSH Blake, are also vying for a coveted spot on that World Championships team (truthfully, this is the case for just about every rider competing in this division) and made good on their efforts this weekend to finish on the podium in second. Their finishing score totaled 30.4 penalties, with 5.2 time penalties added on Saturday’s cross-country.

“My goal [this weekend] was to have a nice, relaxing dressage test on all of [my horses],” she stated. “In show jumping, I wanted them to use their bodies and be relaxed to the best of their ability. And same with the cross-country – I wanted to go out there, and I want them to be prepping for the five-star. Derek [di Grazia] did a masterful job, like he always does [designing] the cross-country. He asked you all the right questions, without being too big and too aggressive. It really gave them all a lot of confidence for going to Kentucky.”

Pamukcu is planning to take HSH Blake (Tolan R – Doughiska Lass), who is owned by Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin and Mollie Hoff in the CCI5* at Defender Kentucky next month.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Third in the CDP Eventing Stables CCI4*-S were 2025 champions Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle (Leo von Faelz – Berina A), a 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Tim and Nina Gardner. After beginning the weekend in ninth place, Brannigan and FE Lifestyle steadily climbed up the standings, adding 2.8 time penalties to their score for the podium finish.

Brannigan herself didn’t have the most ideal of offseasons. She underwent surgery to repair a serious injury to her ankle, and also suffered a knee injury she’s been recovering from. “It’s been a pretty rough time for me, for sure,” she said. “I was non-weight bearing for nine weeks, and really have been just focusing on riding a couple, including [FE Lifestyle]. It was a fairly serious injury to be coming back from, so I’m just trying to do the best job I can. ‘Foxy’ is not getting any younger, and I feel like he’s got a good shot for this year, and I want to give it to him. I didn’t want to ride recklessly, so I just went as quick as I could with that while still riding to do well here. But I am thinking about [Defender Kentucky CCI5*].”

Spiro P Gallops to Cordelia Family Foundation CCI3*-S Win

Tamie Smith and Spiro P. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Tamie Smith has known and worked with the 9-year-old Spiro P (Spiros Z – Ugomein) for several years, having coached his usual rider, fellow professional Megan Sykes, throughout her career. So when Sykes needed to step away from the saddle to attend to some personal matters, Spiro P joined the caravan heading East with Tamie as the planned rider. While she came to be competitive, she placed no lofty expectations on the German Sport Horse gelding and instead focused on giving him a positive experience. That positive experience equalled Smith’s first victory of the day as she and Spiro P moved up from second to first on a final score of 29.7 (consistency at its finest, with the same finishing score as CCI4*-S winner Lillet 3).

“He couldn’t have been better,” Smith enthused. “He was unbelievable. I mean, to be able to get on a horse and be competitive like that after riding him for a few weeks is just a testament to the

hard work that [Sykes] put into producing him. I texted her today afterwards, and I said, ‘You better hurry back, or you’re not going to get your horse back!’”

Australia’s Ema Klugman was second in the CCI3*-S with Team Fern’s RF Redfern on a score of 30.0. Canada’s Waylon Roberts rounded out a truly international CCI3* podium with his own Fernhill Salt Lake, finishing third on a score of 32.7.

Solaguayre Cantata Shows Future Promise in Breezeway Sporthorse Diagnostic Clinic / Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center CCI2*-S

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata. Photo by Impulsion Media.

The 9-year-old Solaguayre Cantata is another horse acquired by Smith in 2024 during a bit of a restock on horses for her pipeline of development. The mare, owned by Juliane Guariglia, led from start to finish in the Breezeway Sporthorse Diagnostic Clinic / Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center CCI2*-S, finishing the weekend on her dressage score of 24.6.

“She was just a total professional, which is really fun, because as a three-year-old, she was a nightmare!” Smith laughed. “She was a little bit green at [Bouckaert Farm in Georgia] a couple weeks ago, so I didn’t know what to expect. But she just ate it up and felt like all business. She has done one Intermediate, and I was glad that I did the two-star this weekend, because the three-star was quite strong. But she just loped around and was unbelievable in all three phases, just like she just knows that the party is all for her.”

Meg Pellegrini piloted her own Gorgeous DHI to second place in the CCI2*-S, finishing the weekend on a score of 26.6. US Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton finished third with Caroline Moran’s Darwinn on a finals core of 31.1.

Ireland’s Lee Maher Captures First FEI Victory in Dechra Veterinary Products CCI1*-S

Lee Maher and HTH Charming Cooley. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Irish rider Lee Maher’s been training and competing horses for most of his life, but he’d not yet won an FEI level event – until Saturday.

It all came down to cross-country, where overnight leader Boyd Martin collected a few too many time penalties with Tamy Pollard’s Buba D’Mues and relinquished the potential victory. This opened the door for Maher, who was second coming into cross-country and went clear inside the optimum time with Home Track Farm’s HTF Charming Cooley (Timone – Corline Z), a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. The pair took home the victory in style, finishing on a score of 29.7.

Maher relocated to the US from Ireland in 2021 to work for Caroline Pamukcu. A few years into his time in the States, he struck out on his own and launched EquiSales International, which he operates with his husband, fellow eventing athlete Chris Talley out of Allison Pratt’s Home Track Farm in Dyke, Virginia.

“I feel like I’ve been working for this for a really long time,” Maher said. “So it makes it happier to know that [HTF Charming Cooley] won. We’ll take it day by day, but hopefully he will go and do the two-star Long at Ocala [International Festival of Eventing in April], and then we go back to Virginia to make a little summer plan.”

“It’s amazing because we spend the winter in Ocala, so it’s the first time that we come this far north and gallop on the hills and this amazing grass arena that we got to jump on yesterday,” Maher continued. “We don’t get that opportunity very much in the States, so it kind of brings me back to my roots, where we jump on the grass all of the time in Ireland.”

Australia’s Hayley Frielick and Dunedin LB Muze moved up into second place with another clear inside the time, finishing the weekend on a score of 30.2. Boyd Martin finished up in third with Buba D’Mues on a score of 30.2.

National Divisions Continue Competition

Here’s a look at the Saturday leaders of the National divisions. The remaining divisions will complete their competition with cross-country or show jumping on Sunday.

Performance Veterinary & Zoetis Advanced: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Bertus (56.5)
Stackhouse & Ellis Bespoke Saddles: Ariel Grald and Obalix (27.6)
DMP Equine Insurance Open Preliminary: Devin Robel and Gilou (27.3)
DMP Equine Insurance Preliminary Rider: Mandolin Whitten and Top Rox (23.9)
Modified: Hugh Wrigley and FE Go My Way (25.5)
Dubarry USA LLC Open Training: Susan Plumb and Cooley All In tied with Logan Harris and LT Mint Julep (26.5)
Dubarry USA Training Rider A: Dorothy Greenshields and Glensmill Kroon Girl (32.2)
Dubarry USA Training Rider B: Meili Gregg and Cooley Triskele (31.8)
Hardgrove Family Open Novice: Ariel Grald and Karino (22.3)
Hardgrove Family Novice Rider: Shannon Reid and Jenesis HF (30.9)

The 2026 Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T. concludes on Sunday, March 22 with cross-country for Novice through Preliminary beginning at 8:30 a.m., and show jumping for the Advanced and Intermediate competitors beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Edith Overly Memorial Arena.

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

Saturday Links

By on Mar 21, 2026 12:01 am -

 

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We may be in the thick of Carolina here in the U.S. but over in Europe we also have one of our first FEI looks at the European and UK contingent, who have converged in the Netherlands for the Grandorse CCI4*-S (also known as Kronenberg). It’s an all-out who’s who on the leaderboard, with 72 combinations starting the CCI4*-S division this week.

After two phases and ahead of today’s cross country, Great Britain’s Tom McEwen and his Paris Olympic horse, JL Dublin, are the leaders sitting on a score of 23.5 after adding no faults to their dressage score.

We do also have some U.S. riders competing in the CCI4*-S this weekend, including Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl (15th after two phases on a score of 31.9) and D’Artagnan, as well as Hallie Coon and Kapriccio (24th on a score of 35.3),

There is unfortunately no live stream for today’s cross country, but you can follow along with live scoring 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

Take an educational stroll with Australia’s Hayley Frielick at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International:

Go Eventing

Boyd swapped his helmet for a cowboy hat (and a buckle) to try out Western Dressage on the 2025 USEF National Horse of the Year, Athenian Lady, with some expert coaching from Amanda Delgado:

Boyd Martin Takes Command of CDP Eventing Stables CCI4*-S at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T.

By on Mar 20, 2026 7:50 pm -

Boyd Martin and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Brody Robertson’s show jumping track exerted its influence on Friday at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T., with the newly-debuted Meadows arena serving as the host site for today’s action. In total, nine of 38 starters in the CDP Eventing Stables CCI4*-S turned in fault-free rounds.

“I commend the Carolina international for having us out here [on the grass], because it’s different,” newly-installed CDP Eventing Stables CCI4*-S leader Boyd Martin said. “The horses react a little bit differently, and having a cool VIP tent next to it adds a bit of excitement and atmosphere.”

Martin entered today in second place on OHP Hammertime Partners’ Miks Master C, carrying forward a score of 24.4. With some coaching from show jumping Olympian Peter Wylde, Martin delivered a fault-free show jumping round to move into the lead after dressage leader Will Coleman added time penalties to his score with Diabolo.

“It’s sort of our first proper event for the year,” Martin said. “So to come out and do a smart dressage yesterday and a great round of show jumping without having too much preparation, it’s just a sign of what a champion horse he is.”

Boyd Martin and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Martin has ridden Miks Master C, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by the great stallion Mighty Magic, since late in the 2024 season after the horse’s former rider, U.S. Olympian Liz Halliday, experienced a traumatic brain injury in a fall with a different horse. He’s taken the reins in her honor, having always admired Halliday as both a friend and a teammate.

“Luckily, you know, I had so much help from Liz’s coaches, who are also my coaches,” Martin stated. “And at the end of the day, they’re just wicked quality horses.”

Martin is considering a CCI5* run at either Defender Kentucky at the end of April or MARS Badminton in England in early May as Miks Master C’s major spring destination. This weekend’s run will be used to build the fitness he’ll need to run a CCI5*.

“This is our first run of the year, so we’ll just coast around,” Martin said. “I think the biggest thing with Mickey is he’s a high blood horse. There’s no question of his speed and stamina and endurance, and the hardest thing is actually getting him relaxed. So I think I’ll go around at sort of 70% speed and try to give him a real smooth trip. And then at our next event, we’ll pick it up a notch. So this is sort of the fitness run. He’s had two big gallops in Pennsylvania before we got here, but other than that, it’s just been a lot of long, slow work in Aiken.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Impulsion Media.

U.S. Olympic athlete Caroline Pamukcu moved up into second place with Mollie Hoff and Sherrie Martin’s HSH Blake (also her Paris Olympic horse), adding one second of time for a two-phase score of 25.2.

“He was great,” Pamukcu said of HSH Blake. “I was pretty disappointed that I had an extra second of time, but I found the turn where I could have saved that second, so I know what can make that better next time. He’s just a really genuine horse, and it’s my job to make sure he’s set up well and that I ride the best. I think I wasn’t super efficient from fence 3 to 4, I think that’s what caught up to me, because I had the double of verticals [to set up for]. So it could have been smoother, but this is what these events are for – to practice that for the Kentuckys and the Olympics.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Will Coleman was accepting of relinquishing his lead with four seconds of time added today aboard the Diabolo Group’s Diabolo. In truth, while walking the course and thinking about the strategy he was employing for this event, Coleman planned to take some wider turns.

“[It was] a little bit to plan,” he elaborated. “I’m sort of using this as a real setup for our next one, and chose to do a few wider lines in places. I think obviously it cost me as a tight time allowed, but I think that’s okay. I’m only running them a couple times [before Kentucky], so I want to use the runs as strategically as I can. I rode my plan, and it ended up being a couple seconds over, and I sort of just have to accept that. He gets a little worked up, but I thought he went in there, and he did mind the rails. I thought he jumped into a nice shape for the most part.”

Lucienne Bellissimo Retains Cordelia Family Foundation CCI3*-S Lead + Other FEI Updates

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Lucienne Bellissimo retained her lead in the Cordelia Family Foundation CCI3*-S with Horse Scout Eventing’s Dyri, adding no penalties to her starting score of 24.2.

“He warmed up super fresh and felt very happy to be here,” Bellissimo commented. “I think it was great to get him on grass, I can’t think of the last time I jumped him on grass. He jumped super well – a little lucky at one of the oxers, but he realized it and tried hard and gave me a super round. I rode a slow fast round, he’s got a big enough stride that you can be patient.”

Bellissimo says she’ll feel Dyri out on cross-country Saturday, allowing him to cruise on if he’s feeling confident or giving him some extra time if he needs it. She, like many of her competitors, is using this event to prepare for a Long format later in the spring, so the most important box to tick is confidence.

“I’d like to save him for later in the year, but that said if he sets off in a good rhythm and is feeling confident, I’ll keep rolling,” she said. “Obviously, I’d love to win, but my aim is a four-star Long, so I want to make sure he feels the best for that.”

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Tamie Smith also retained her overnight lead, this time in the Breezeway Sporthorse Diagnostic Clinic / Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center CCI2*-S with Juliane Guariglia’s Solaguayre Cantata on a score of 24.6.

“Cantata was super,” Smith said. “The atmosphere in there was quite electric. She hasn’t seen anything like that in her career, so it was a really good experience to have her in that ring and the show jumping was quite twisty and the time was hard to make in all the divisions. But I was really happy with her, she was all business and had a really confident round.”

Boyd Martin and Buba D’Mues. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Boyd Martin also enjoyed a successful day in the Dechra Veterinary Products CCI1*-S with Tammy Pollard’s Buba D’Mues, a brand-new horse Martin just acquired from Germany early this year. The 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding by VDL Bubalu finished in the top 10 at the 2025 FEI Eventing Young Horse World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers with Finnish rider Sanna Siltakorpi, making him an exciting addition to the Martin string. This weekend marks Martin’s second recognized event and first FEI competition with Buba d’Mues.

“He’s not really ‘my’ horse yet at all,” Martin said, noting the time it takes to form a partnership with a new horse. “So I think we’ll just keep pumping along at this level for a bit. I’ll take a year or so to really get to know him, but he’s 80% Thoroughbred blood, so I think he’ll be a right champion.”

Competition continues on Saturday with the cross-country finale for the FEI divisions (as well as the upper-level National divisions), beginning at 9:00 am with the CCI3*-S. The full schedule and order of go can be found here.

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

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Mar 20, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Redefined Equestrian Horse Trials #Featured Friday

Registration is now open for the Redefined Equestrian Horse Trials in Fort Collins, Colorado, which will take place this year on April 18th. A fairly new event as of July 2023, Redefined is one of only nine venues in Area IX that hosts a USEA-recognized event, offering a Spring event and a Fall horse trials in October, as well as several schooling shows, clinics, and arena eventing competitions throughout the season.

Built ground-up from a dream of the property owner, Daina Kaugars took her boarding and training program in the Rockies and made it into a top-notch facility for the eventing population of Colorado and the Mountain West area. With both excellent terrain and tracks built by course designer William Robertson, Area IX’s first recognized horse trials of the year is a great place to kick off the season for riders competing at every level from Tadpole to Modified.

In July of 2025, the Redefined Equestrian property suffered severe flooding damage that resulted in damage to footing, equipment, and the loss of several cross-country fences — all of which had been built from scratch by Daina and members of the eventing community. Thanks to USEA’s newly-established Organizer’s Relief and Competition Assistance Program, Daina became the first recipient of the ORCA grant to help them replace jumps and make necessary repairs on property in time to run their event in October 2025.

About Redefined from USEA:

“I love the terrain that they have there,” said [original course designer Cathy Wieschhoff]. “I mean, you can really do some fun stuff with doing exercises either uphill or downhill. You’ve got to be careful about that because you get people coming from flat, and those are hard questions to ask beginner horses to do—not so much jumping uphill but going downhill and having some type of balance and making a turn. I felt like I used the terrain well in order to have some questions but not have it be too difficult.”

Click here to read more from the USEA Events A-Z highlight on Redefined Equestrian Horse Trials. Consider adding this one to your upcoming calendar!

[Click here for Redefined Equestrian Horse Trials’ omnibus listing]

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]

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]

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

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Stable View Spring International and HT Early Insights

Morning at Stable View Photo by Shelby Allen.

The 2026 Stable View Spring International and Horse Trials is proud to offer $60,000 in prize money at this year’s event! Prize money is to be awarded for all FEI levels, with $40,000 for the 4*, $10,000 for the 3*, $6,000 for the 2*, and $4,000 for the newly added 1*. Ribbons will be awarded through 10th place per FEI division, through 6th place for each National division, and through 4th place for CTC and IEL, as well as to the top 3 teams in the Adult Team Cup. TIP awards and prizes will also be presented for the highest placed Thoroughbred Horse at each level.

Video at Stable View:

Horse & Country will be live-streaming show jumping on Friday, April 3rd — you can watch live here. For $35 per horse and rider combination, Horse & Country will send you a digital video clip of your ride. No refunds will be given for clips, once processed and received.

Equireel will be filming cross country. Check out their website here for more information and to order your round. 

Competition Schedule & Notes:

Depending on numbers, the competition scheduled days will most likely be as follows:

  • Int, Adv, 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*= 2-day, Friday-Saturday
  • Training, Mod= 2-day, Saturday-Sunday
  • Prelim= TBD based on entry numbers

VIP Experience tickets are now SOLD OUT.

Important Update for 2026: Wristbands will now be required for entry to Graze and Gaze. Wristbands will be provided to riders in their packets — each entry will receive 2 wristbands, along with 2 drink tickets per wristband (for those 21+). Please ensure you have these with you when you arrive at Ollie’s Inn.

4* XC Comments from Helen West:

  • The April tracks are nearer the maximum range of distance at the appropriate levels, very much with spring three-day campaign in mind.
  • The tracks are galloping and flowing to encourage forward riding and provide flow for horses and riders.
  • The 2* & 3* are utilizing the sunken road combination whilst the 4* are heading up to the newly-improved loop at the Kennel Water complex.

Training Tip of the Day

If your horse’s canter needs more adjustability, let Amelia Newcomb walk you through her key steps here:

Go Eventing

Kentucky-bound David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed recently took 1st in the Intermediate at Oasby Horse Trials — watch their round here:

Will Coleman and Diabolo Take Dressage Lead in CDP Stables CCI4*-S at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International

By on Mar 19, 2026 8:21 pm -

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Competitors and spectators alike were treated to a whole new look at the 2026 Setters Run’ Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T. at the Carolina Horse Park, as some updates have been made to the layout of this marquee spring event. Beginning this year, both CCI4*-S dressage as well as all FEI show jumping has been relocated to The Meadow, creating a centralized experience.

U.S. Olympian Will Coleman took great advantage of the day and rode to the lead in the CDP Eventing Stables CCI4*-S (also a US Equestrian Open of Eventing qualifier) with The Diabolo Group’s Diabolo (Diarado – Roulett M), scoring a 24.3 from judges Andrew Bennie (NZL) and Valerie Pride (USA).

Diabolo, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding, was acquired from Australia’s Gemma Tinney at the end of the 2022 season, and Coleman’s called on patience to form a partnership with the horse. Some of this work includes groundwork led by Coleman’s wife, Katie, which he says has lent itself to an ongoing improvement in relaxation.

“We tried to take advantage of the time off,” Coleman elaborated. Diabolo had sustained an injury later in the 2024 season, and with the timing it meant the horse missed most of the following season. But the Colemans took it in stride. “I think we learned more about how to help him, and I think he’s benefitted from it.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“We’re just trying to improve across the board,” he continued. “He’s a wonderful horse. He’s a real trier, and sometimes that makes him get a little bit kind of anxious – he’s trying so hard to do the right thing. So a big part of our program with him is just trying to help him find a bit of relaxation in his work, teach him to sort of trust his balance a little bit. Just getting him to where he’s starting to walk in his tests – that was a big accomplishment, and the changes are getting more confirmed. I think just the level of trust and everything that we’re doing with him has improved, and I think his confidence is growing, and he seems fairly content. That means a lot to us.”

Boyd Martin and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Second on the day are another U.S. Olympian, Boyd Martin, with Ocala Horse Properties’ Miks Master C on a score of 24.4. Miks Master C (Mighty Magic – Qui Lumba CBF) was Martin’s partner for the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final, which the pair won at the end of 2025. Coming out of the success last year, Martin says he’s aiming at either Defender Kentucky or MARS Badminton this spring as a CCI5* goal.

“After going around that cross-country [at the US Open Final at Morven Park] and feeling the fifth gear he’s got at eight minutes – it was mind blowing,” Martin said. “I loved the horse forever when Liz [Halliday] was riding him, but to feel that athleticism, some horses drop off the bit and start huffing and puffing, this horse has got another gear. It was a pleasing win [in the US Open], but he’s a five-star horse. It’s his first proper competition for the year, and to be honest, [there are] still lots of improvement to be made in the test, but he’s such a flamboyant mover, so even if it’s not a perfect test, he’s still in there with a good score.”

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

One of our visitors from California this week is Tamie Smith, and the 2023 Defender Kentucky winner has made good on the latest stop on the trip, taking third after dressage in the CCI4*-S with Molly Duda’s Lillet 3 (Livello – Princess L) on a score of 24.5.

Lillet 3 is one of a string of rising stars for Smith, preparing for the CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky next month with this competition. This winter, Smith noted, was all about building strength and partnership.

“I think it’s just time [forming] a partnership, and getting them strong enough,” she said. “She’s always been a real trier, and she just had to gain the strength. And I feel like I’m learning, every year, more and more about how to allow my horses to move and express themselves without trying to make it happen. And I think it’s just a culmination of her getting stronger and me allowing her to be who she really is.”

Lucienne Bellissimo Leads CCI3*-S and Other FEI Results

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Lucienne Bellissimo is the latest addition to the U.S. squad of riders, having officially gotten her citizenship earlier this year and switching away from Great Britain. She’s enjoying her new designation, and she also enjoyed her day with Horse Scout Eventing’s Dyri (Diarado – La Calera), leading the Cordelia Family Foundation CCI3*-S on a score of 24.2.

Dyri is a horse who has competed at the CCI5* level, but Bellissimo experienced a knock to the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding’s confidence as the 2025 season began. To address this, she took a few steps back and dropped Dyri all the way back down to the CCI2*-S level. It’s paid off in a big way: the pair enjoyed five consecutive FEI wins, including one at the CCI4*-S level, as they got back on track.

“I gave him a bit of an easier winter and was slower to get going, but I think it’s paid dividends to do a lot of hacking and do a lot of work at home,” Bellissimo said. “He’s just in a really good space, he’s carrying weight well, and he feels amazing. And if he needs me to do this [confidence boosting approach] again, we’ll start all over, because he’s worth it and I believe in him.”

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Tamie Smith swooped into the Breezeway Sportshorse & DX Clinic/Friendship Veterinary Imaging Center CCI2*-S lead with Julianne Guariglia’s Solaguayre Cantata (Canturo – Solaguayre Clarita), an 8-year-old Argentinian Sport Horse mare. The pair earned a 24.6 to unseat fellow Californian Asia Vedder and Vedder Equine’s Litmanen Z.

Gabby Dickerson and Top Love. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Leading the Dechra Veterinary Products CCI1*-S are Gabby Dickerson and Rolan Millican’s Top Love (Conthargos – Ludwigsburg), a 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding. The pair scored a 24.7 and will be the ones to beat heading into Friday’s show jumping.

“I was very happy with [the test],” Dickerson commented. “It’s his first FEI, so he can be a little bit spooky and get a little bit interested in the atmosphere. So I thought he stayed with me really well.”

Top Love was originally intended to be sold when he was brought over from Germany, but he quickly showed his quality and class and wound up as a part of Dickerson’s growing string of horses. She’s well-coached by European Champion Nicola Wilson of Great Britain, who’s here helping this weekend.

“With [Top Love], we just had a really good plan of how to ride in and out of the leg yields in different parts of the test and the transitions, etc., and I felt like, for the most part, I was able to put that to use in the ring. It obviously paid off pretty well! We’ve had a good day all around with all the dressage, so it’s awesome to have [Nicola] here and have all the support and knowledge.”

Competition continues tomorrow with FEI show jumping in The Meadow. The jumping will begin with the CCI2*-S, then the CCI3*-S before the lunch break around noon. Taking place during the lunch break in The Meadow will be a special Western Dressage demonstration featuring 2025 USEF National Horse of the Year Athenian Lady and her rider, Amanda Delgado, as well as 2025 USEF International Equestrian of the Year Boyd Martin in the saddle (and the cowboy hat).

National divisions also commence competition tomorrow with dressage. Live streaming of the FEI show jumping can be found on Horse & Country.

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

Thursday News & Notes

By on Mar 19, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: 2026 Auburn Eventing Online Auction

Auburn University shows their school spirit as they head to cross-country to cheer on teammates. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Auburn University’s Eventing Club runs an online silent auction fundraiser every year, and their 2026 auction is now live! Running from March 15-20th, participants can bid on available items by commenting a bid amount on its photo, which are posted in categories on the Auburn Eventing Online Auction Facebook page.

Current categories include:

This year’s auction includes a massive variety of auction prizes, including halters, supplements, custom horse and rider apparel, gift basket packages from large brands, cross country schooling passes and horse trial entries, tickets to classes and tours, saddle fittings, gift cards with values up to $500, video and photography sessions, and private lessons, show coaching, or clinic entries with top riders from around the country. There’s definitely something for everyone in this auction, so make sure to check it out and make some bids to support the Auburn Eventing Club!

Auction Rules & Details:

  1. Auction begins at 8am CT on March 16th and will end at 8pm CT on March 20th. Monday through Friday.
  2. Bids must be submitted within the auction time to be accepted.
  3. Bids must increase by increments according to the product.
  4. Winners have 24 hours to submit payment before they forfeit their products. In the case that we do not receive payment within 24 hours, the next highest bidder receives the product.
  5. Payment can be made via PayPal to @auburneventing.
  6. Following the end of the auction, winners will receive Facebook messages from a member of the Eventing team with instructions on how to pay and when their products will be shipped.
  7. Shipping will be determined per product if needed. Please keep this in mind when shipping heavier products.
  8. Specific rules will be posted under each auction item if necessary.
  9. If you have questions about an item, please send a Facebook message. Keep comments for bids only.

[Find out more about the Auburn Eventing Team here]

Major International Events This Weekend

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

Segovia Eventing (ESP): [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

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

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]

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

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

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Hop on Elisa Wallace’s trailer with three-year-old Mustang Toddy for his first-ever outing, and see what Elisa’s training process looks like with the youngsters:

Go Eventing

The Kentucky Horse Park has two new permanent barns planned to be ready in time for this year’s KY3DE!

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Mar 18, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention returning to DC area

The 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention and Eventing Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. Just minutes from the Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or a short ride from several other international airports, members can enjoy short excursions into nearby Washington, DC, for those wishing to make their trip into a vacation. You can find more information on travel information and transportation directions here on the USEA convention page.

[Click here to make your reservation with the Hyatt Regency with the USEA room block discount]

More about the Eventing Hall of Fame:

Since 1999, the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame has awarded horses and people with the highest honor awarded within the sport of eventing in the United States. Those inducted into the USEA’s Eventing Hall of Fame have made significant, lasting contributions to the sport. Past inductees have included riders, coaches, volunteers, organizers, officials, founders, and horses who have demonstrated exceptional excellence, dedication, and impact on the eventing community over their careers. The induction ceremony and gala will occur during the 2026 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, where we will see another set of individuals honored with induction into the Hall of Fame.

Major International Events This Weekend

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

Segovia Eventing (ESP): [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times]

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

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] [Live Stream]

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

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

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

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

If you’re relying too much on your reins, then these tips from Amelia Newcomb are for you!

Go Eventing

Carolina International starts tomorrow! Our friend Tyson gives us all the breakdown of what they’ve been up to and why you should be excited to take to the course:

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Mar 17, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Registration Closes TOMORROW for the first LA28 Ticket Draw

There’s only one day left to register for a chance to secure a spot in the first LA28 Ticket Draw ahead of tickets for all Olympic sports going on sale in early April!

What Fans Need to Know:

REGISTRATION PERIOD: The window of time when you must register and create a profile to be entered into the ticket draw. The first registration period is January 14-March 18, 2026.

TICKET DRAW: The random assignment of time slots to purchase tickets.

TIME SLOT: The period of time when you can purchase tickets during a drop.

TICKET DROP: When tickets are released and available for purchase for those assigned time slots.

  • Registration is required to participate in the LA28 Ticket Draw for the chance to secure tickets to the 2028 Olympic Games.
  • Fans must register at tickets.la28.org by 11:59 p.m. PDT on March 18 for an opportunity to secure a time slot for Drop 1 (April 9-19) or the LA Locals Presale (April 2-6).
    • Registrants with validated billing postal codes in the following Southern California counties will automatically be entered into the draw for the LA Locals Presale: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino.
    • Individuals who are randomly selected to participate in the first ticket drop will be notified via email between March 31 and April 7 with information and time slots.
  • Additional ticket drops are planned as the Games approach.
    • Fans only need to register once to be entered for future ticket draws and for the Paralympic Ticket Draw scheduled to begin in 2027.
    • Those not selected for the first drop will automatically be entered into future draws.
  • Fans selected for time slots in Drop 1 will have the opportunity to purchase up to 12 tickets for Olympic events, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, which have a 4-ticket-per-Ceremony limit, as supplies last.
    • Those who do not reach the maximum will automatically be entered into subsequent draws for an opportunity to purchase the remaining balance of up to 12-tickets in future drops.
  • Ticket inventory and pricing will vary by sport, session and venue.

[Click here for info about group tickets]

[Click here for the LA28 map]

US Events Opening 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)

US Events Closing Entries Today

$60,000 Stable View Spring International and HT (SC); Rocking Horse Spring HT (FL); CDCTA Spring HT (VA)

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

We all know our horses’ guts are fragile as a flower, and we’ve likely been coached on the signs and symptoms that your horse is experiencing a case of the tummy upset. But what are some of the biggest contributing factors to keeping that perfect balance for a happy hindgut?

Outside of conditions like gastric ulcers or colic requiring medical intervention, KPP has some helpful maintenance tips to keep in mind as you assess your program to provide the best possible environment for your horses.

Training Tip of the Day

Allie Schmidt walks us through some simple lateral work tips when preparing for a half-pass:

Go Eventing

A charity is giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to ride horses in Brixton, South London, an area with pockets of deprivation and knife-crime:

Weekend Winners: Ocala, Ram Tap, & Pine Top

By on Mar 16, 2026 9:00 am -

With the first official day of spring just around the corner, we’re wrapping up a busy winter season, celebrating successful outings at Ocala, Ram Tap, and Pine Top this past weekend!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Lorilee Hanson and Mosaïque, who won the Novice Rider division at Ram Tap on a 20.6!

Ocala Winter II (FL): [Website][Scoring]

4* CT-A: Natalia Neneman and Chesterland’s Brown Sugar (41.6)
4* CT-C: Sharon White and Claus 63 (26.3)
Advanced/Intermediate: Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality (34.9)
Intermediate Rider: Lauren Hoover and Monbeg Capricorn (45.4)
Open Intermediate: Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent (38.8)
Open Intermediate – One Day: Monica Spencer and Marvel (46.8)
Open Preliminary: Sara Kozumplik and Cornelius Bo (26.8)
Open Preliminary – One Day A: Kelly Prather and Wineport Stephanie (33.6)
Open Preliminary – One Day B: Bruce Davidson Jr. and Oxford (32.3)
Open Preliminary – Seven Year Old: Cornelia Fletcher and Candy Park (45.6)
Preliminary Horse: Katie Malensek and Civento (27.3)
Preliminary Rider: Juliana Cassar and Cheranimo (33.9)
Modified – Open A: Sara Kozumplik and Quality Time (29.1)
Modified – Open B: Karl Slezak and Hellboy (29.3)
Modified – Rider A: Nancy Lee and Wine Me Up (29.6)
Modified – Rider B: Julia Pinell and Street Fighter (28.6)
Open Modified – One Day A: Abigail Cochran and Mixologeigh (37.7)
Open Modified – One Day B: Michael Nolan and D.A. Prestobantos (27.1)
Junior Training Rider: Mia Holstien and FE Chiara Mia (22.1)
Open Training – One Day A: Mia Farley and Farhan (28.0)
Open Training – One Day B: Elinor MacPhail O’Neal and GTB Rockstar Status (31.1)
Open Training – Six Year Old: Matthew Flynn and PROFESSOR PITT (26.7)
Open Training A: Kimmy Cecere and Conquistador XC Z (27.9)
Open Training B: Erin Murphy and Global Dynasty (30.6)
Senior Training Rider: Valli Corbin and Napoleon Z (32.2)
Training Horse: Selena OHanlon and FE Diamant (24.1)
Junior Novice Rider: Serafina Deldon and Prince Renan (25.3)
Novice Horse: Madeline Backus and P.S. St George and the Dragon (23.2)
Open Novice – One Day A: Alexandra du Celliee Muller and Contraband RC (23.8)
Open Novice – One Day B: Audrey Ogan and Always Cooley (22.1)
Open Novice A: Elizabeth Brousseau and Nico (26.5)
Open Novice B: Lauren Romanelli and Reverie GWF (23.2)
Senior Novice Rider A: Kendall Norris and Aneira (27.1)
Senior Novice Rider B: Allie Larson and Karina MT (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Catheryn Davis and Fashionable Man (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Julia Davies and Glendening Phalon (23.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Madeline Backus and Excel Star Percy (27.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Robin Walker and Grantstown Contendro (27.1)

Ram Tap National HT (CA): [Website][Scoring]

3* Dressage Only: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Piccadilly’s Pride M.E. (29.8)
Advanced: James Alliston and HMR Rolan (31.0)
Advanced/Intermediate: Renee Kalkman and Flame Eternal (44.4)
Open Intermediate Provisional Scores: James Alliston and Renaissance Man (30.1)
Open Preliminary: Hilary Burkemper and Undercover (30.3)
Open Modified: Keelari Mauzy and West Coast Cooley (30.2)
Open Training: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and HSH Tangerine (21.5)
Training Rider: Antoine Aubriot and Djo La Légende (35.8)
Novice Rider Provisional Scores: Lorilee Hanson and Mosaïque (20.6)
Open Novice: Amber Birtcil and Red-Rag VDL (26.1)
Open Novice SHT: Christian Eagles and Very Irish (43.8)
Beginner Novice Rider Provisional Scores: Dede McCoy and Dune DeHeir (23.5)
Open Beginner Novice Provisional Scores: Jennifer Wooten – Macouzet and Valeureux (33.0)
Open Beginner Novice SHT Provisional Scores: Jennifer Wooten – Macouzet and O’Malley Van Het Pannehof Z (32.7)
Grasshopper: Audrey Ryan and Little May (27.2)
Open Introductory: Taylor McFall and Minnie Comet DF (26.8)

Pine Top Spring HT (GA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Devin Robel and Gillou (29.2)
Modified – Open: Daniel Clasing and Glen Future (28.6)
Modified – Rider: Molly McLaughlin and Fly Boy (37.5)
Junior Training Rider: Madison Zgutowicz and Keep Kitty (32.0)
Open Training A: Kate Bearer and Excel Star Maradon (29.3)
Open Training B: Allison Springer and Nadira 34 (29.3)
Senior Training Rider: Ashley Taylor and Excel Star Opportunity (35.7)
Junior Novice Rider: Caroline Abbe and FGF Tucker (32.2)
Open Novice A: Alexander Conrad and Cano Christophe (29.7)
Open Novice B: Avery Cascarino and Excel Star Cristal Coronet (25.8)
Senior Novice Rider: Betsy Bodner and DHI Iceberg (33.1)
Training/Novice: Evie Van Mol and Bare Neceessities (33.5)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Arabelle Armstrong and Rhetorical Question G (24.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Jeanne Hulse and Flowerhill Sophia (33.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Bob’s Your Uncle (25.9)
Starter A: Ruth Siegfried and Frederik van de Elsakker (32.8)
Starter B: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Z Blue (25.0)

Monday News & Notes

By on Mar 16, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Applications are Open for the first round of 2026 Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarships

Jim Wofford and Chinch share a moment.

We’re always keeping an eye out for funding opportunities large or small for riders not currently on some sort of development list or high performance track, and there ARE some programs out there that offer grants or scholarships to deserving amateur riders.

One of these is the annual Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund scholarship, administered through the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation (WEEF) as a way to honor the late Jimmy Wofford’s love for and advocacy of the classic three-day format. To that end, the annual grants supply $1,000 in financial assistance to riders planning to compete in a USEA Classic Three-Day Event at some point in the season.

James Wofford on Carawich, 1978. Photo courtesy of Gamecock Photo.

Applications for the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund scholarships are accepted on a rolling deadline basis, based on which Classic events are coming up. Right now, applications are open for an April 1 deadline. You should consider applying if you are aiming for a Classic Three-Day at the newly-added Longleaf Pine (NT) or events like IEA (IN) or The Event at Archer (WY).

Eligible applicants must:

  • be a registered USEA/USEF Adult Amateur or Junior/Young Rider member
  • be working towards competing in a 2026 Classic Three-Day Event
  • be competing at the Beginner Novice level or higher
  • be in need of financial support to achieve the goal of competing in a Classic Three-Day Event
  • have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the sport of eventing through volunteering
  • not already be participating in, or have participated in, any other USEA/USEF grant or development program
  • provide names and contact information for two references

You can view full qualifications, more information and an application here.

Major International Events This Weekend

Military Montelibretti (ITA): [Website] [Scores]

Capel Horse & Pony Club CCI (AUS): [Website]

Tamborine Equestrian ODE (AUS): [Website]

US Weekend Results

Ocala Winter II (FL): Website] [Scores]

Pine Top Spring HT (GA): [Website] [Scores]

Ram Tap National HT (CA): [Website] [Scores]

Other Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Ok, it’s much more spring like for many of us now, but for some horses this time of year is all about getting back to fitness. Walking is a key part of that, as explained in this post from Piggy March:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Piggy TV (@piggytv_)

Go Eventing

14 horse girls who changed the world:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @chestnut___mare