Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Apr 11, 2025 12:01 am -

Full Moon Farm’s Spring Festival Fundraiser is coming up this weekend, and in advance of the fun a local news station even highlighted the Maryland venue’s efforts to raise funds and promote good horsemanship, prevent marginalization, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. There’s also an online auction happening in conjunction with the Festival (EN is thrilled to have donated a three-month advertising package to the auction!) that will kick off on April 12. You can get a preview of the auction and plan out your bids here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

F.E.N.C.E. H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Unionville H.T. (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Spring Bay H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Tamie Smith is a mother, grandmother, and the first American in 15 years to win the Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*—and she’s not slowing down. In a recent Horse Illustrated feature, Tamie shares insights on patient horse development, hill-based conditioning, and the value of empathy, shaped by her background in mental health. Her philosophy? Respect the horse, trust the process, and never rush the journey. “They don’t choose to do what we ask—they do it because they love us.” Read the full story by Shoshana Rudski here.

A legend has left us: Authentic, the iconic partner of Beezie Madden and one of the most decorated U.S. show jumpers in history, passed away this week at age 30. Known fondly as “Bud,” the Dutch Warmblood gelding helped the U.S. team to Olympic gold in both Athens (2004) and Hong Kong (2008), plus an individual bronze and two FEI World Equestrian Games silver medals. From his Grand Prix win at Aachen to countless Nations Cup heroics, Bud’s career—and his joyful retirement as “Uncle Bud” at Madden Mountain—left an indelible mark on the sport. Read more about this legend of a horse here.

Four-time Olympian Richard Davison is calling for urgent reform in dressage judging, highlighting it as the top concern following this year’s FEI Sports Forum. Writing in Horse & Hound, Davison stressed the need for clear, evidence-based rules to eliminate inconsistencies and protect equine welfare—warning against a return to outdated systems like collective marks. With growing political scrutiny and public concern over horse sport’s social license, he says the time for compromise and clarity is now. Read his full opinion piece here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Look back on some sights from the Stable View spring CCI4* last weekend:

Video Break

Ahead of jumping at Defender Bramham in the UK, check out a great throwback to Harry Meade’s winning cross country from 2024:

Justin’s Place Named Official Charity of 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian

By on Apr 10, 2025 9:30 am -

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), has selected Justin’s Place, a therapeutic horse farm in Wilmore, KY, dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and disorders and their families, as the Official Charity of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The event returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

The core mission of Justin’s Place is to create a nurturing space where children with disabilities and disorders can connect with horses and experience emotional and physical benefits. Established in memory of Justin King, a compassionate young man who had a deep affection for children with different abilities, the farm provides a serene environment where extraordinary children can find peace and joy through equine-assisted services.

Programs include Barn Buddies, a weekly session for children aged 3-12 that features therapeutic horseback riding, sensory petting zoo interactions and educational games. Another program, Stable Moments, pairs adoptive or foster children with trauma-informed mentors and horses for one-on-one sessions that foster healing and personal growth. The Vaulting Club introduces participants to gymnastics and dance on horseback, improving confidence, body awareness and teamwork. In addition to these structured programs, Justin’s Place offers community programs such as field trips, special education experiences and professional development workshops for educators.

“For decades, EEI has donated to multiple charities that serve our local community and the equestrian industry, and we are thrilled to support Justin’s Place as this year’s Official Charity,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Director. “They work tirelessly to provide a safe environment for extraordinary children in Central Kentucky to help them experience the joy of horses, and we are proud to support their amazing programs.”

“Justin’s Place is honored to be featured at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!” said Allie Barnett, Executive Director of Justin’s Place. “We look forward to sharing our mission of bringing joy to children in Central Kentucky who need it most through the power of horses.”

More information can be found at https://www.justinsplaceky.com/.

Thursday News & Notes

By on Apr 10, 2025 12:01 am -

The eventing and broader equestrian community continues to mourn a huge loss in renowned coach, competitor, and mentor Caroline Moore, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in March. For anyone who would like to attend and can, Caroline’s memorial will be held on April 22 at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1AE. We’re holding Caroline’s community of loved ones close as they continue to navigate this new reality and are sending all of our love their way.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

F.E.N.C.E. H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Unionville H.T. (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Spring Bay H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

If you’re looking for your weekly dose of inspiration, meet Korbin the Conqueror. Once a feral PMU foal rescued from the brink, this pint-sized pinto with a heart of gold has defied every odd life threw his way—including a fractured hock, cancer, and the loss of an eye—to make it all the way to the Training level. Suzannah Cornue and Korbin have grown up together, building a partnership that’s carried them from backyard beginnings to FEI events and now, a joyful encore career in Area II. Read their full, unforgettable story here.

California hunter/jumper trainer Robert Sean Leckie has been temporarily suspended by the U.S. Center for SafeSport as of April 4 due to allegations of misconduct. The suspension includes a no-contact directive, and Leckie has also been added to the USEF ineligibility list, prohibiting him from participating in USEF-sanctioned events. A spokesperson for Leckie stated that the case involves a sexual harassment claim between adults and criticized the SafeSport process for lacking due process. Read more here.

Ireland is taking equestrian hospitality to new heights with the launch of an exclusive 2-Day Equi-Tourism Experience, announced by the Irish Horse Board in collaboration with Good Food Ireland. This bespoke package invites international buyers and horse lovers to enjoy private tours of elite facilities like Coolmore and Karlswood, behind-the-scenes access to top breeding operations, and gourmet dining at some of Ireland’s most iconic establishments. Designed to showcase the best of Irish sport horses and culture, this initiative is already being hailed as a game-changer for luxury equestrian tourism. Learn more here.

Amy Purkis is back with Part 2 of her inspiring journey to the LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships, where she’ll make her debut aboard her beloved mare, Balinamonapark Tiger Lilly. From city life to BE90 success, Amy’s story is one of late-blooming passion, trust, and determination. With Badminton fast approaching, she’s juggling fitness work and final prep while helping Lilly, who’s never stayed away from home, prepare for the big stage. Read the full update on Amy’s road to Badminton here.

Video Break

Get to know Rolex Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell in the latest episode of Horse Talk:

International Olympic Committee Confirms Equestrian Quota for LA28; Eventing Included

By on Apr 9, 2025 1:49 pm -

Noor Slauoui and Cash In Hand compete at the Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board held a meeting and a subsequent press conference today to release final athlete quotas ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Building on the success of the Paris Olympics in 2024, the IOC has determined to keep the athlete quotas the same, at 10,500 athletes.

Included in this quota are equestrian sports, with 200 athletes delegated to the LA28 quota across all three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage, and eventing. This confirms the inclusion of eventing in the sport program at this juncture, which is validating news considering some uncertainty that had surrounded the matter leading up to Paris that eventing was in a vulnerable position in terms of its inclusion in future Olympic cycles.

What we know:

  • The IOC has confirmed a quota of 200 athletes for equestrian sports at LA28, across show jumping, dressage, and eventing.
    • The sport-specific quotas are as follows: 75 for Show Jumping, 60 for Dressage, and 65 for Eventing
  • The IOC has confirmed that they have approved the general venue plans submitted by LA28, which do include the allocation of Galway Downs as the host site for equestrian. LA28, however, has yet to firmly confirm its final plans for venue allocations. We do know there is ongoing uncertainty surrounding host venues, including beach volleyball and sailing, that will likely impact the timing of the final venue plan release to the public.
    • “Today, the Executive Board has validated the master plan in broad terms, and that’s a really practical and very helpful step forward as for the announcement, including each and every detail, let’s be clear, this will be the responsibility of LA,” said Christophe Dubi, Olympic Games Executive Director, at the press conference when we asked about the venue plan and final approval of host venues.

What we don’t know:

  • We don’t know if eventing will undergo any format changes for Los Angeles. A revised format that would hold cross country last had been floated in the past, but we have not seen any confirmation of any format changes, though it’s a potential that this could yet happen.
  • We also do not yet know the specific qualification criteria for equestrian sports, nor do we know the selection trial schedule. These items will be released as the Olympics draw closer.
    • From an FEI press release: The qualification systems for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games were discussed at the recent FEI Sports Forum. The proposals will be put forward for approval by the FEI General Assembly 2025 and will afterwards be provided to the IOC for final review and sign off. The summary of discussions and the presentation made during the session dedicated to the LA28 Olympic qualification systems are available here.

“We are extremely pleased with today’s IOC decision,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said in a press release. “The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a historic success for equestrian sport, which proved very popular with the live crowds and TV and online viewers worldwide. It’s a great news that our numbers remain unchanged and we are looking forward to delivering exciting sport at the same level of excellence.”

West Coast’s Best Come Together for Twin Rivers Spring International

By on Apr 9, 2025 9:30 am -

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II winning the CCI4*-S at the 2022 Twin Rivers Fall International. Ride On Photo.

Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, CA, is gearing up for its largest FEI event ever with the 2025 Twin Rivers Spring International taking place April 10-13. There are 73 entries across the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-L, CCI2*-S, and CCI1*-L levels. National levels will go from Beginner Novice up to Intermediate.

Twin Rivers Ranch has offered the FEI levels of eventing since 2005. The Twin Rivers Spring International has taken on national significance as many of the West Coast’s top riders use it as their final tune-up before traveling to top competitions on the East Coast.

The CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers represents a qualifier in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing leading up to the $200,000 finals at Morven in Virginia on October 9-12. Seven of the 11 horses are entered at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event on April 24-27. Caravaggio II and Bec Braitling and Karma and James Alliston are aiming for the CCI5*-L after both horses made their 5* debuts in Kentucky in 2024.

Braitling, who represents Australia internationally and is based at Twin Rivers, is coming off a victory with Arnell Sporthorses’ 14-year-old black British Sport Horse gelding (Vangelis-S x Courtesan) in the CCI4*-S at the 2025 Galway Downs International H.T. in Temecula, California. She and “Ernie” won the level at the 2022 Twin Rivers Fall International.

“It’s nice to know you’ve done one [five-star] on him, so you know the horse can go jump the fences and go the distance,” Braitling said, looking ahead to a return to Kentucky, where they finished in the top-20 in 2024. “My goal this time would be to go a little quicker. Ultimately, it’s building on every year you hope you do a little better test.”

The popular pair have clicked in the jumping phases ever since their first competition at Training in 2019. They’ve never incurred jumping faults on cross-country in the United States. Their dressage score of 30.4 at Galway was their best in an FEI event in more than five years.

“He’s on the whole a lot better,” Braitling said. “He got a change at Galway, and it’s the best he’s ever felt on the flat for me. So, that’s kinda cool.”

James Alliston and Karma winning the CCI4*-S at the 2023 Twin Rivers Fall International. Ride On Photo.

Alliston and Karma, an 11-year-old bay Oldenburg mare (Escudo II x Travita), have become fixtures at top events and have represented the United States around the world. After 4* wins at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Montana and at the Twin Rivers Fall International in 2023, they were 14th in the CCIO4*-NC-L at Boekelo in the Netherlands at the end of 2023. Then in 2024, they were 12th in their CCI5*-L debut in Kentucky and ninth in the CCIO4*-S at Aachen in Germany. They had zero jumping penalties in cross-country and show jumping in each of these competitions.

“Last year, she tied up at the start of the week in Kentucky, so she really wasn’t feeling fantastic,” Alliston said. “If I get her into cross-country day a little bit healthier, I think she’ll gallop better because she’s such a fast horse and good galloper. She definitely wasn’t feeling great, so I had to go a little slower with her last year, but she still did it very well. I’m hoping if she’s feeling well, we can fly, I hope.”

Alliston has won the last four 4* competitions held at Twin Rivers. In addition to Karma, he has three other mounts at the level—Cora, Irish Pop, and Paper Jam. Among that trio, as well as Nemesis, who is entered at Intermediate at Twin Rivers, Alliston will choose which two horses he will take to the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S.

“It’s always a balance,” Alliston said. “I have a lot of Advanced horses right now, which is amazing, and you want to use them.”

James Alliston and Paper Jam winning the CCI4*-S at the 2024 Twin Rivers Spring International. Ride On Photo.

Paper Jam won the 4* at this event last year, and this will be his first event since. With his age and experience, including competing in the Kentucky 5* in 2022, Alliston said he’s been picking his spots with the 16-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding (Paparazzo x Reely Jamin).

Cora, a big 10-year-old bay Oldenburg mare (Commissario x La-Montana), won the CCI4*-S at the 2024 Twin Rivers Fall International. Kentucky would be her first event outside California, and that would also be the case for Irish Pop, a 13-year-old bay Hanoverian gelding (Inliner x Norma Jean), who is making his 4* debut at Twin Rivers.

This will be the first event for Nemesis since the chestnut Canadian Warmblood gelding (Novalis x Sara’s Muse) competed as the youngest horse in the Kentucky 5* field in 2023 at 9 years old. He won the CCI4*-S at the 2023 Twin Rivers Spring International.

As far as how he’ll choose his duo for the Kentucky 4*, Alliston said, “You do what suits the horse. I know sort of which horses are the fastest. For the four-short in Kentucky, the time is very influential, so you need some speed there. I know the ranking of speed of those four horses. Nemesis has a ton of experience and he’s done Kentucky well. If he’s healthy, he’s probably my number one.”

Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo: Ride On Photo

Also aiming for Kentucky in the CCI4*-S are:

• Molly Duda and her 15-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding Disco Traveler (Donatelli x Cadence), winners of two 4* competitions in California in 2024 who also represented the United States overseas as part of the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour
• Tamie Smith, the 2023 Kentucky 5* heroine, and the Kynan Sydicate’s 10-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding Kynan (Envoy x Danieta), two-time 3* winners in 2024 that are now back competing at 4*

The CCI3*-S at the 2025 Twin Rivers Spring International is a who’s who of West Coast eventing prospects.

Tommy Greengard and his 11-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding Joshuay MBF (Foreign Affair x Fernacchy MBF) are using the CCI3*-S at Twin Rivers to prep for the CCI4*-S at Kentucky. They won the CCI4*-S at the 2023 Woodside Fall International in Woodside, California, and are in the midst of a comeback after missing the 2024 competition season.

Greengard also has That’s Me Z, whom he co-owns Andrea Pfeiffer, at Intermediate ahead of the Kentucky 4*. He and the chestnut Zangersheide gelding (Take a Chance On Me Z x Veneita) represented the United States in the 7-year-old world breeding championships at Le Lion in France.

Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Also in the three-short at Twin Rivers, Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild are back at the venue where they made their debut in 2018 when the rider was 14 and the dark bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Plot-Blue x Cantana) was 6. They won the CCI2*-L at this event last year and then two more 2*s in 2024.

Andrea Baxter, whose first FEI event at her homebase of Twin Rivers came in 2006, has a pair of 7-year-olds, Camelot PJ and The Big Easy. They both made big impressions at the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse West Coast Championships held at Twin Rivers in 2023. Camelot PJ (Colman x Hauptstutbuch Evita) won the 5-year-old championship. The Big Easy (Mr Lincoln B x PLS Hippo Q) won the Safe Harbor Award given to the 5-year-old with the most graceful and rider friendly performance throughout the competition.

“I love the personality of all of them so much that I can’t imagine replacing their desire to work and learn and please and their personal interest in the sport,” Baxter said. “Right now, they’re young and still developing, and much as I want them to come home with better ribbons, their performance is so going in the right direction that they’ll be hard to beat in the future. But right now, I’ve got to take my time and not rush them and let them develop in their own time.”

The 2024 5-year-old YEH West Coast champion, Only-Else (Idrigill x Kapry-Else), is entered in the CCI1*-L in the bay Irish Sport Horse mare’s FEI debut.

The 2025 Twin Rivers Spring International will shine a wide spotlight—from young prospects to seasoned veterans.

“That’s just exciting for California to be developing so many nice horses,” Baxter said.

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Apr 9, 2025 12:01 am -

It’s nearly time to get those Defender Burghley tickets secured! The Burghley box office will open for business in just under two weeks on April 22 for Membership purchases and on April 23 for General Admission. Click here to get a peek at what’s on offer so you’re ready to hit go coming opening day!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

F.E.N.C.E. H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Unionville H.T. (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Spring Bay H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Ahead of a final IOC vote today, Galway Downs is poised to finalize its allocation of equestrian sports for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The Los Angeles NBC affiliate stopped by for a visit this week. Read and watch the segment here.

Got a young horse with big, expressive movement that’s hard to harness? Grand Prix rider Lauren Sprieser has your back. In her latest EQUESTRIAN+ video series, Lauren shares practical, gymnastic exercises to help riders organize the trot and canter of their young horses without stifling their natural brilliance. From using circles to promote self-carriage to dialing the power up and down in the trot, her insights offer a thoughtful approach to building balance and confidence. Read more here.

The versatility and athleticism of the Thoroughbred will be on full display at this year’s Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, with a stellar lineup of off-track and blood-forward entries at both the 5* and 4* levels. From Buck Davidson’s Sorocaima to Olivia Dutton’s Sea of Clouds, these Thoroughbreds are a living testament to versatility and heart. Thanks to The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program and equineline.com, you can now dive into each horse’s OTTB Profile to learn more about their racing background, pedigree, and siblings—all for free! 🏇 Click here to meet the full lineup and follow their progress.

Chronicle of the Horse blogger and horse show mom Jamie Sindell delivers a heartfelt reminder that the size of the jump doesn’t define the rider. In her latest piece, she shares the journey of supporting her daughter through self-doubt, social media comparisons, and the pressure to “measure up”—all while celebrating the growth that happens between the fences, not just over them. Spoiler alert: It’s not about the ribbons, it’s about the resilience. Read it here.

Video Break

Catch some excerpts from the latest episode of The Go Eventing Podcast with Joanie Morris in the carousel below:

Bradley Champagne: Crafting a Career in Young Horse Development

By on Apr 8, 2025 9:30 am -

Bradley Champagne and Nicciola KW (“Nikki”) compete at the USEA Young Event Horse Championships in 2022. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Bradley Champagne didn’t set out to become a young horse specialist.

Like many ambitious event riders, he once had (well, still has, to be fair) Olympic dreams and a scrappy horse named Taz from a backyard in Northern Ontario that he was convinced would take him there.

But careers in the horse industry often evolve in unexpected ways, and over time, Bradley found himself drawn to a role that not only suited his skills but also filled a growing need in the sport.

Now, after more than a decade riding for Boyd Martin, he has carved out a niche that allows him to shape the next generation of event horses, from their first steps under saddle to the early stages of their careers.

Bradley grew up around horses but wasn’t immersed in formal competition until his late teens. His introduction to eventing was a local Pony Club clinic, where he realized that the cross country skills he’d been practicing—jumping logs in the woods and galloping through snowbanks—actually had a place in organized sport. Dressage, at first, was an obstacle to be endured. “I hated it with every ounce of my body,” he admits. “But I knew if I could just get through that 15-minute ride, I could go jump.”

Bradley and his pony, Ace, test out some cross country “back in the day”.

That early love for the jumping phases carried him through his first competitions and eventually led him to the U.S., where he took a chance on a job with Boyd Martin.

At 19, he wasn’t sure where he wanted his riding career to go, only that he wanted to keep learning. The opportunity at Windurra was a deep-end dive into top-level eventing. “I didn’t really have a plan. I just knew I wanted to be doing this, and I figured if I was going to do it, I might as well jump into a program where I’d either sink or swim,” Bradley says.

For years, he was an all-around team member, doing whatever needed to be done. Like many riders who start in top programs, he rode a variety of horses, from schoolmasters to young, developing horses. Slowly, a pattern emerged. He gravitated toward the ones that needed a little more time, a little more patience—the ones with quirks to figure out. He found he had a knack for working with young horses, and eventually, Boyd noticed, too.

One day, while discussing future plans, Boyd made it official: Bradley would take on the role of young horse manager.

What started as an organic shift has now become his specialty. These days, Bradley spends most of his time starting horses that will either join Boyd’s string or go on to other riders. It’s work that requires a unique blend of patience, adaptability, and trust in the process.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to producing young horses, something Bradley has learned through experience. Some take to it quickly, jumping small courses within weeks. Others require months of slow, deliberate work before they’re comfortable enough to move forward. The key, he says, is to avoid forcing anything: “The biggest thing Boyd taught me was to trust what I know and take it slow. There’s no rush. The last thing you want is for them to have a bad experience.”

Bradley works with a young horse in the roundpen at Windurra.

Bradley’s goal isn’t just to produce talented event horses. It’s to develop young horses in a way that gives them the best possible foundation, no matter where they end up. “One of my main goals is definitely to be known for producing young horses in a way that sets them up for a successful career in whatever discipline they end up pursuing,” Bradley affirms. That philosophy means creating positive early experiences, building trust, and ensuring that each horse leaves his program with a solid education, whether they go on to be eventers, show jumpers, or even amateurs’ trusted partners.

Letting them go is the hardest part. It’s an inevitable reality of the job, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Some move on to Boyd’s upper-level string, while others are sold to new homes.

“As much as I want to tell myself I won’t get attached, I do,” Bradley admits. It’s just a part of the job. If you aren’t forming some sort of bond or attachment, chances are, you’re not actually setting the horse up for success. “You have to form a connection. Otherwise, you’re just putting them through the process.”

Still, he wouldn’t trade the feeling of seeing his young prodigies succeed, whether it’s in a major event or simply moving smoothly through a new challenge.

One of Bradley’s proudest moments came with a mare named Nicciola KW (“Nikki”), a dressage-bred mare who was originally purchased off a video by an owner of Silva Martin’s. After getting her started under saddle and realizing her potential in the jumping, he brought her through the levels and eventually took her to the Young Event Horse Championships in Maryland. “She placed third and won the show jumping portion, and that was such an unreal feeling—to be in that victory gallop on something I’d done every step with.”

Bradley Champagne and Excel Star Bravo 2. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Though he still has his own competitive goals–and a small string of talented young horses with which he’s got a shot to accomplish those–Bradley doesn’t feel torn between developing young horses and chasing upper-level ambitions. He’s keeping an eye on a few promising young prospects, but he doesn’t get too far ahead of himself. “I used to think, ‘I’m going to win the Olympics on this backyard horse from Northern Ontario.’ Now, I focus on what’s in front of me and let the rest happen,” he says.

For other riders looking for a career in the sport, young horse development is a path more should consider. It requires a specific skill set and the right learning environment, but it’s a viable and deeply rewarding way to stay involved in high-performance horses without the pressure of maintaining an upper-level string. “You have to be under someone who knows what they’re doing and can really teach you,” Bradley advises. “And you have to be patient—really patient.”

This role, one he came to, in some ways, by accident, is one Bradley finds much fulfillment from, and it’s a model that others can realistically follow. As U.S. eventing builds its breeding and development pipeline, riders like Bradley are playing a crucial role in producing the sport’s future stars. It’s a job that requires long-term vision, a deep understanding of horses, and a willingness to trust the process. And while not every young horse he starts will go on to the top levels, every single one will leave his program better prepared for whatever career lies ahead.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Apr 8, 2025 12:29 am -

If you’re hankering to hear all about Tik Maynard’s weekend at Road to the Horse at the end of March, now’s your chance. Tik sat down with The Chronicle of the Horse to take us through his repeat winning performance, what he learned, how the competition works, and more. Step outside of the eventing box and have a read here.

U.S. Events Opening Today

Spring Coconino H.T. (AZ); Woodside Spring H.T. (CA); Willow Draw Charity Show (TX); Flora Lea Sprint H.T. (NJ)

U.S. Events Closing Today

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (VA); Horse Park of New Jersey Spring H.T. (NJ);

News & Reading

The latest episode of The Go Eventing Podcast is now live and ready for listening! Tune in to hear from wearer-of-many-hats Joanie Morris, who’s worked everywhere from the USEF to the Maryland 5 Star as an event administrator, press officer, managing director, and so much more. We chatted with Joanie about not only her roles, but some bigger topics as well. Tune in this morning on your favorite podcast platform or here!

“The half-halt is a beautiful, effortless way to ask your horse…” starts Gwyneth McPherson in her latest deep-dive—but don’t be fooled. The half-halt should be beautiful, but it’s rarely effortless. In fact, it’s one of the most misunderstood and underdeveloped tools in dressage training. In her latest article, Gwyneth peels back the layers of this nuanced concept: what a half-halt does (hint: it’s not just about slowing down), when to use it (spoiler: pretty much every stride), and how to feel when it’s actually working. She also tackles some big-picture issues—like the contact misconceptions that plague even upper-level riders—and offers thoughtful insights for those seeking real understanding beyond the show ring. Whether you’re chasing a better connection or just curious what makes “invisible” riding actually work, this is one to bookmark. Read it on Horse Nation here.

You asked and midwestern FEI eventer Julie Wolfert answered! In this week’s episode of the USEA Podcast, Host Nicole Brown hits Julie with all of your biggest questions (all while Julie waits out a tornado while in transit to compete at Stable View) including competition preparations, eventing in the midwest, Julie’s eventing history, what is to come in the future, and so much more. Listen to the episode here.

When it comes to protecting your horse’s health, there’s no one-size-fits-all vaccination plan. Age, travel schedule, exposure to other horses, feeding practices, and even the local climate and environment all play a role in determining what vaccines your horse needs—and when. Core vaccines are essential for all horses, but risk-based vaccines should be tailored to your horse’s lifestyle and surroundings. Your veterinarian is the best resource to help you build a smart, individualized vaccination strategy that evolves with your horse’s needs, but you can also read a primer (geared towards Canadians, but also useful for everyone) here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Your horse can’t tell you when they’re dehydrated, but the signs show up in their performance, recovery, and overall well-being. That’s where Kentucky Performance Products comes in. Their Summer Games® Electrolyte helps replenish the key minerals lost in sweat—like sodium, chloride, and potassium—to keep hydration, muscle function, and gut health in check. Whether your horse is a weekend warrior or a full-time athlete, the right electrolyte support can make all the difference. 🐴💦 Learn more here.

Video Break

What keeps Alex Bragg going in terms of motivation, especially in those dark winter months? Watch here:

It’s Been ‘Pfun’: Will Faudree’s Stalwart Partner Steps Down from Upper-Level Competition

By on Apr 7, 2025 1:31 pm -

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Sally Spickard.

As Will Faudree jumped the penultimate fence on cross country during the CCI4*-S at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International last month, he felt a wave of emotion rising up within him.

He was aboard his longtime upper-level horse, Pfun, a horse he’d had a relationship with for well over the past decade, who was en route to completing an astonishing nine times at this venue just down the road from Will’s Gavilan Farm home base. Across those nine completions, Pfun finished outside of the top 10 just once.

This run at Carolina seemed a fitting finale to Pfun’s lengthy career at the upper levels, and as Will neared the finish flags, the enormity of this decision began to hit home.

“It was just so fun,” Will said. “I jumped the second-to-last fence and reached down and started petting him, and I couldn’t believe we were galloping to the last jump of our career together. I’ll never forget that round. I didn’t have one ‘funny’ fence. It was really rather emotional.”

“Teddy” was a dark gray color when he was imported from Ireland as a coming four-year-old. Originally, he was sourced by Julie Richards and sent to former USEF chef d’equipe Bobby Costello, who was still actively competing but beginning to consider a step back, to produce. During a couple of summers, Will rode the horse while Bobby traveled. In time, Bobby wound up asking Will to take on the horse with the intention of selling him.

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Thanks to the support of Will’s longtime owner, Jennifer Mosing of Sterling Silver Stables, Pfun became a rooted part of his string. The thought, initially at least, was that if the horse didn’t work out as a top horse for Will, he’d be marketable as a resale or a perfect fit for Jennifer’s kids to eventually ride.

“I just really liked the horse,” Will recalled. “He didn’t have a very natural gallop at the time, but he was always an unbelievable jumper. No one was sure if he’d learn to gallop or make it to the top levels, but I believed in him because he was just so fun to ride and to jump.”

In 2015, Pfun stepped up to the Advanced level and was short-listed for the U.S. team heading to the Pan American Games that year. That fall, though, Will broke his neck in a fall from a different horse, which saw Pfun get an extended vacation until Will healed and was ready to get back out competing.

Christina Curiale and Pfun. Photo by Jenni Autry.

From 2016 on, Pfun was a stalwart campaigner for Will. He would go on to complete three CCI5* events and started a fourth at Kentucky in 2022 when Will opted to pull him up on cross country. At that point, Will made a decision based on the previous seasons of understanding what his horses needed.

“The level of fitness needed for that level was getting hard on his body,” Will reflected. “So we backed off. We prioritized Short events and things like the Showcase [at Bruce’s Field] with him, and I even did a Grand Prix in Ocala with him.”

Pfun was, of course, not quite ready to hang up his horseshoes in full even if 5* events weren’t on the docket anymore. “At the end of last year, I told Jennifer I’d really like to do Carolina on him one more time,” Will said. “It’s a venue he loves. He doesn’t owe me anything, as trite as that may sound. And at Carolina this year, he jumped around like a nine-year-old. I jogged him up after and he looked like a million bucks. I took him for a hack the next day.”

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

As a rider who takes much pride in the longevity of his horses’ careers at the upper levels, this finale was fitting for Will and Pfun. It’s a common adage amongst eventers that we always want to retire our horses at the right time – not too early, and certainly not too late to the point where an injury or accident occurs. Will feels he accomplished this ultimate goal with this incredibly special horse.

“I’m just so proud,” he said. “He’s had such a long career, and hopefully he has another twenty years left. He’s been the most consistent relationship in my life for the last fifteen years. I had to think outside the box to get him fit, but he always responded.”

While Pfun won’t fully retire from eventing altogether, he won’t contest anymore 4* or higher events. Will has it in mind that perhaps he’ll teach some of his students, but he will stay in work. “He’s been a competitive athlete his whole life, and I think that’s important to maintain to some degree,” he said. “Without the pressure of gallop sets and trot sets, I think he’ll enjoy himself even more. He’s just going to have fun now.”

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As Will focuses his efforts on his other top horse, Mama’s Magic Way, as well as a strong string of younger horses, he’ll continue to take the lessons and the gratitude he’s learned from Pfun with him.

“I’m going to miss him so much,” he said. “He’s been such a friend – so consistent, so fun. Honestly, it’s been one of the greatest privileges and honors of my career to ride him. Everyone always believed in his jumping, but I believed in him. I’m so grateful for everything he gave me.”

To have a horse at the top for so long, and truly, actually, enjoying the job in the process, is a reward that, for Will, trumps any ribbon or trophy. “The dream of him doing what he did at Carolina, and me getting on and taking him for a hack the next day…that dream satisfies me more than any plaque.”

Weekend Winners: Rocking Horse, Pine Hill, & CDCTA

By on Apr 7, 2025 10:45 am -

The spring season is spreading throughout the country, with Eventers in Texas and Virginia jumping in to enjoy getting out and about.

We’re celebrating all of these successful weekends, with an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Candace Elizabeth Bell and Oscar, who scored an impressive 17.2 in the Novice Horse division at Rocking Horse!

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (FL): [Website][Scoring]

 

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Intermediate Rider: Lauren Hoover and Monbeg Capricorn (41.0)
Open Intermediate: Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Flower Girl (28.8)
Open Preliminary: Nicholas Hansen and Excel Star Montgomery (30.8)
Preliminary Horse: Sharon White and Quizas (25.0)
Preliminary Rider: Kaylianna McMorris and Fernhill Future Star (31.4)
Modified Rider: Cindy Rawson and Fourfields Classek (28.5)
Open Modified A: Willow Schwartz and RH Finnegan (24.0)
Open Modified B: Ava Applebaum and DHI Qyaracolle Z (28.7)
Open Training A: Hugh Wrigley and FE Go My Way (26.7)
Open Training B: Hannah Hawkins and FE Unico (21.7)
Training Horse: Robin Walker and DHI Milan (21.9)
Training Rider: Piper Van Tassel and Lady Charisma (29.7)
Novice Horse: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Oscar (17.2)
Novice Rider: Coco Fiorita and Oskar (29.2)
Open Novice: Robin Walker and EWSZ Jalando (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kenzie McCombs and Sir Canbi (32.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Lindsay Wagner and DS Ardeo Bounce (25.9)
Starter: Kara Andrew and Excel Star Briarhill Pop (27.7)

 

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Pine Hill Spring H.T. (TX): [Website][Scoring]

HT-Preliminary-Open: Janet Marden and Flagmount’s Good Omen (59.6)
HT-Training-Open: Jennifer Skinner and Bullys Legacy (26.7)
HT-Novice-Open A: Michelle Kennedy and Right Swipe (27.5)
HT-Novice-Open B: Sarah Jackson and WHF Wangari (26.9)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open A: Darcy Barnett and Margarita Rose (30.0)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open B: Hannah Corlett and Leonardo Della Malaspina (27.7)
TEST-Starter-Open A: Kelly Scheer and Powerful Point (30.0)
Test-Starter-Open B: Grace Fahrenbruch and SF Sassafras (29.0)

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

Open Modified: Abby Dove and Malibu Mayhem (43.7)
Open Training: Rain Leahy and Mario (38.7)
Open Novice 1: Karissa Oliver and Point of View (32.8)
Open Novice 2: Erin Weil and Patriot Games (31.1)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Jennifer Cobb and Mannhattan’s Martini (28.5)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Ashby Hunt and O Sole Mio (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice 3: Carly Davis and Currabawn Dubh (30.0)
Open Starter 1: Patricia Healy and Traditional Hat Man (33.0)
Open Starter 2: Jacqui Ross and The Astral Rascal (23.0)
Introductory: Jennifer Cobb and Mainway’s Venetian Ice (31.9)