Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products: Concussion Research, A Refreshed Nations Cup Finale Awaits, A Racetrack Reject to Olympic Legend Story & More

One Big Thing: Concussion Research Suggests a Potential Flag for Equestrians

Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.

University of Miami researchers say the standard concussion tests could be comparing riders to the wrong baseline. In a study highlighted by US Equestrian this week, the university’s Acquired Neurosensory Disorder Research and Treatment Laboratory has so far tested 30 equestrians, and the results suggest riders’ eye-tracking and depth-perception skills are well above average for their age group. That means a concussed rider can fall significantly below their own normal and still score within the general population’s range, which is enough to be cleared to ride.

The lab, which has previously worked with the Department of Defense and the NFL, is building the first equestrian-specific normative values for concussion diagnosis. Each participant completes two symptom questionnaires (the SCAT6 and CISS), a neuro-optometry battery of 10 to 12 tests, and an eye-tracking exam using VR-style goggles. Researchers plan to test more riders at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington this winter and hope the data will eventually give US Equestrian and the FEI a better way to decide when a rider is safe to return after a fall.

What it means for eventers: Eventing may be where the gap is largest. Researchers expect baselines to vary by discipline, and co-director Dr. Erin Williams singled out upper-level cross country as the kind of riding that demands especially strong oculomotor function. Judging distances at a gallop over uneven ground takes more of it than a dressage ride does. In practice, an eventer’s “normal” may sit even further above the general population’s than other riders’ does, so a concussion is easier to miss on a standard sideline test.

The case that started the research shows the stakes: Canadian show jumper Will Martin was cleared after a fall and then crashed again when a fence in front of him appeared to move, which left him unable to ride.


U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

The Event at TerraNova (FL); Ram Tap H.T. & Classic Three-Day (CA); Full Moon Farm Fall H.T. (MD)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (KY); Maryland 3 Star at Fair Hill (MD); Ram Tap National H.T. (CA); Sol Events at Willow Draw (TX); Horse Park of New Jersey Fall H.T. (NJ)



In the News

  • If you’re interested in getting involved with the USEA Young Event Horse program and you’re within range of Fair Hill (Maryland), save the date for October 17 and a YEH Educational Seminar led by the one and only Peter Gray. Info here.
  • The British named an all-star crew on a next generation of top horses for this weekend’s FEI Eventing Nations Cup finale at Boekelo. See who made the cut. The Nations Cup underwent a format overhaul this year, making the Final — held as a Long format — much more influential. Now, this year there are no Olympic qualifications on offer (that comes in 2027), but this year provides a great opportunity for a team to earn some bragging rights and a best foot forward for the road to the 2028 Games. 10 teams have qualified, including the USA, and they’ll all start from 0 points when Boekelo kicks off on Thursday. See more Nations Cup rules and standings.
  • Show jumping has expanded for this edition of the Asian Games, held in Tokyo. Read more.
  • Ariat is opening a store at the Mall of America — the site of Minnesota’s largest tourist attraction.

Recommended Reading & Listening


Sponsor Corner: Four Ingredients for Healthy Joints from Kentucky Performance Products

Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.

Galloping, jumping, and months of fitness work all put steady demands on an event horse’s joints. Knowing what keeps a joint working well makes it easier to support one.

In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered with a thin layer of articular cartilage that reduces friction. Synovial fluid is the thick liquid inside the joint. It feeds that cartilage, and it also lubricates and cushions the bones where they meet. Four ingredients support that system:

  • Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key part of both synovial fluid and cartilage and keeps joint surfaces lubricated. Glucosamine and chondroitin mostly work on the cartilage, while HA does most of its work in the joint fluid.
  • Glucosamine provides the building blocks for parts of the cartilage matrix.
  • Chondroitin sulfate helps control the enzymes linked to inflammation and tissue breakdown. Research shows glucosamine and chondroitin work best as a pair. When studied separately, neither showed the same benefit.
  • Manganese is a component of the cartilage matrix and is essential for growing healthy connective tissue.

Joint Armor™ puts all four in one scoop

Kentucky Performance Products’ Joint Armor™ is a scientifically formulated blend of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and manganese sulfate. It helps maintain cartilage structure and healthy joint function.

Who can benefit?
Joint Armor is recommended for:

  • Young horses, especially those starting training
  • Performance and show horses
  • Racehorses and recreational horses
  • Broodmares and stallions
  • Senior horses
  • Horses with a history of joint injury or arthritis

Learn more about Joint Armor at kppusa.com/product/joint-armor, or download KPP’s printable joint-health infographic here.

Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury. Always consult your veterinarian when health issues arise.


Coaching Corner


Go Eventing Moment of the Day

Who jumped it best?

Weekend Winners: Stable View, Spokane, Sundance, Jump Start, Tomora, Old Tavern, ESDCTA & Course Brook

This weekend was packed with action! A few FEI events, Championships, and a strong showing of Eventers throughout, we had loads to celebrate! We did have a few events have to cancel due to extreme weather, but want to give a shout out to all of the event organizers and those involved who work tirelessly to provide opportunities! Thank you to the ESDCTA and Course Brook Farm teams for all that you do, despite weather changing plans.

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Lyndsay Peterson and Remington Recall, who scored a 20.6 in the Beginner Novice Rider division at Stable View!

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic (39.9)
CCI 3*S: Karl Slezak and HSH Marshall (30.7)
CCI 2*S: Alyssa Phillips and Nadal (26.3)
CCI 1*S: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Oscar (29.5)
Advanced: Devin Robel and Gillou (47.5)
Open Intermediate: Christina Henriksen and Cisco’s Calor Z (38.1)
Open Preliminary: Riley Zgrebnak and Cooley Roan Star (29.7)
Preliminary Rider: Kaitlyn Cobey and Redfield Need For Speed (23.7)
Modified Rider: Emerson Hover and Amore (30.8)
Open Modified: Lauren New and Mister Chin (32.3)
Open Training: Lauren Lambert and FE JOKER IS COMING (25.3)
Training Rider: Emily Wright and Duck (30.8)
Novice Rider A: Chloe-Renee Hetman and FGF Straight Time (31.5)
Novice Rider B: Abby Buenting and Calvin (27.5)
Open Novice A: Sarah Berry Rajoy and Quantum ETC (24.2)
Open Novice B: Sarah Kuhn and B.E. Finish Strong (28.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lyndsay Peterson and Remington Recall (20.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Courtney Lucas and Formidable (25.3)

Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 3*S: Renee Kalkman and Flame Eternal (45.3)
CCI 2*S: Jennifer Wooten – Macouzet and Bossinova (32.3)
CCI 1*S: Jennifer Plassmeier and Damanio L (46.8)
Open Intermediate: Sophia Click and Tarantino 54 (55.5)
Open Preliminary: Cindy Marvin and Agatha Christeigh (39.0)
Open Modified: Jen Moody and Million Star (27.0)
Training Three Day: Angela Wilson and MNF North Forks Summit (56.0)
Junior Training: Gage Schaefer and Grazie Daisy (32.9)
Training Amateur: Hailey Patno and Quality On Trend (27.1)
Open Training: Sarah Sullivan and SF Cinematic (27.1)
Novice Three Day: Tammy Karplus and Verified AF (53.9)
Junior Novice: Hailey Huarte and Her Copilot (25.9)
Novice Amateur: Jodie Corless and Frogadt (29.7)
Open Novice: Patience O’Neal and Barney Come Home (26.5)
Beginner Novice Three Day: Kathryn Pope and Vicariousleigh (40.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Chloe Dunsmoor and Fine Magic Talon (30.3)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Suzy Ralls and Fernhill Fortune (28.8)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Caroline Smith and Northern Vigor (29.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Avery Jacob and Trinket Box Snapdragon (26.6)
Starter Rider: Elena McRae and RockOTaco (40.6)
Open Starter: Hilary Mourton and Falconwood’s Ice N Easy (31.5)
Young Event Horse Five Year Old: Erin Grandia and Lexi CF (83.6)
Young Event Horse Four Year Old: Jordan Linstedt and LS Caspian (85.9)

Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Rayna Williams and Storm Surge (35.7)
Open Modified: Jessica Saari and Sir NoNo (26.6)
Open Training: Charles Campbell and Fighting Fellow (26.5)
Novice Rider: Riley Mueller and Gemily (30.0)
Open Novice: Kristine Burgess and Lagans Teddy Bear (30.6)
BNovice Rider-Jr: Amelia Meudt and Aspen (35.9)
BNovice Rider-Sr: Dawn Swingen and Beau’s My Daddy (27.8)
Open BNovice: Ashley Butteris and Feeding Frenzy (27.2)
Jr Open Starter: Luella Iseppi and Salty Ruler (33.1)
Sr Master Open Starter: Patricia Bourdon and Coconut (32.5)
Sr Open Starter: Lauren Miller and Central Parking (30.0)
INTRO – Open: Natalie Heinz and Mr Pickles (33.1)

Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate/Preliminary: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Cool Confection (36.3)
Area 8 Championships Preliminary: Audri Hoos and Colonial Cross (32.3)
Open Preliminary A: Jessena Defler and Quality on Tap (34.3)
Open Preliminary B: Alexandra Knowles and P.S. I Love You (29.6)
Area 8 Championships Modified: Kyra Steinrock and Ccs Dance Monkey (31.6)
Open Modified A: Alexandra Curtiss and Spate (30.7)
Open Modified B: Olivia Pratt and Chin Tonic 3 (28.4)
Area 8 Championships Training: Zoë Rizzuto and The Wellerman (30.3)
Open Training: Woods Baughman and Liatendro (25.9)
Training Horse: Lola Lonesky and Cansiro (24.1)
Training Rider A: Stacy Westmoreland and Tinetto (30.5)
Training Rider B: Natasha Quirk and Fernhill My Time (33.8)
Area 8 Championships Novice: Elizabeth Zuelke and Fernhill Simba (28.8)
Novice Horse: Addison Neumeyer and Cappakeel Billy (25.5)
Novice Rider A: Haley Brockman and Alverta (33.8)
Novice Rider B: Brynn Keil and Gloria Grau (30.3)
Novice Rider Junior: Grace Barger and Dowdstown Tarina (30.6)
Open Novice A: McKena Nolan and NDS Marley (28.5)
Open Novice B: Erin Strader and MBF Qatara (26.5)
Area 8 Championships Beginner Novice: Lara Markel and Sk8er Boi (22.8)
Beginner Novice Horse: Nikki Burns and Uno Mas Bourbon (30.0)
Beginner Novice Horse: Alicia Tymec and Savvy (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Alexis Forster and LNJ Sterling (27.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Allison Cote and Qastillano PF (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Elizabeth Enderle and Bridge View (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Addison Neumeyer and Plain Brown Coat (28.4)
Area 8 Championships Starter: Alayna Lalka and Lady Loki (23.1)
Open Starter A: Emily Schwoeppe and List Maker (29.5)
Open Starter B: Lori Miller and Acceleritas (33.4)
Open Starter C: Chelsea Hackbarth and Midlife Crisis (27.5)
Open Starter Junior: Peyton Bizjak and N’Pressive (27.5)

Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website][Scoring]

Modified/Training: Rochelle Costanza and High Hopes Viking (33.2)
Training-Novice: Alexandrea Galligan and RDE Cavalier Emperor (43.5)
Beginner Novice J: Raven Rockwell and Fernhill Coastal Cowboy (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Emmy Williams and Fortunate Rebel (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Kristina Lee and Duncan Z (25.3)
Introductory: Cece McElwee and Guns Lopez (26.9)
Novice J: Bricelyn Koldenhoven and Millfield Billy (28.1)
Open Novice: Daina Kaugars and Finding Fernhill (26.8)
Open Training: Anna Cummings and Fernhill Colano (32.3)
Starter A: Robyn Ritsch and Taylamor Penelope (29.1)
Starter B: Madeline Backus and Lancome (25.3)
Starter – Junior: Sloane Smith and Cornichon (32.3)

Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary Test A: Kaitlin Clasing and Pamorkus BSW (31.6)
Preliminary Rider Test A: Alexandra Wikstrom and Viking Navigator (38.6)
Open Modified Test A: Sydney Hagaman and Syrakus Sohn A (33.5)
Modified Rider Test A: Catherine Ramsey and Cakewalk (32.9)
Training Rider 1 Test A: Michaela Yowaiski and Tego (35.3)
Open Training Test A: Molly Duncan and Peaky Blinders (30.8)
Training Rider 2 Test A: Nicola Villarino and What the Devil (35.7)
Training Horse Test A: Lexi Scovil and United Front (31.8)
Novice Horse Test A: Arden Wildasin and Le Duc (28.1)
Open Novice Test A: William Coleman and Oscar (27.2)
Novice Rider Senior Test A: Alice Fout and Cocolares (30.6)
Novice Rider Test A: Gretel Frew and Union Commander (37.1)
Beginner Novice Rider Test A: Blair Jackson and Twenty Hawks (33.8)
Beginner Novice Horse Test A: Christina McKitrick and Grecian Pharoah (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice Test A: Natalie Wales and Baseline Beater (34.1)
Beginner Novice Rider Senior Test A: Ashleigh Weisskopf and Knox (31.5)
Starter Rider Test A: Alice Johnson and Cooley Tiniest Dragon (29.1)
Open Starter Test A: Bella Palm and Somelikeitfried (37.1)
Pre-Starter Test A: Charlotte Kotzur and Korbin (38.8)

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website][Scoring]

*Sunday divisions cancelled due to weather*

Novice Rider A: Sara O’Hare and Paddy the Caddy (30.0)
Novice Rider B: Rocco Blaine Henderson and Lenny Kravitz (29.3)
Open Novice A: Erin Kanara and Unique Olivienne (27.1)
Open Novice B: Lillian Heard Wood and Cooley Echo (22.9)
Open Training A: Leeci Rowsell and Fortino (30.9)
Open Training B: Erin Kanara and Fame (30.0)
Starter: Laura Coleman and Finishing a Dream (100.4)
Training Rider: Ruth Dunahoo and Coney Street (37.7)

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website][Scoring]

*Cancelled due to weather*

French Win on Home Turf in Lignières, 10 nations Secure Ticket to Boekelo

Team France take the win for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™: Stephane Landois and Hermes Du Gevaudan, Thomas Carlile and Golden De Beliard AA, Karim Florent Laghouag and Dream De Vieve, Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy. Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

The final qualifying leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Lignières (FRA) saw France repeat their home win for a second year, finishing on a score of 106.70 penalties. Second place was claimed by Great Britain on 170.40, and third place went to Italy with 194.40 to secure their place in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo (NED) between October 1 and 4.

The experienced French team of Benjamin Massie with Figaro Fonroy, Karim Florent Laghouag and Dream de Vieve, Stephane Landois riding Hermes du Gevaudan and Thomas Carlile on board Golden de Beliard AA, topped the podium once more with an emphatic win under the sunshine in Lignières, to the joy of the local crowds.

“We are very happy with the French team this weekend. They were first after dressage which is a good start, cross country was nice and show jumping allowed us to keep the lead, so we are really pleased with the result,” Chef d’Equipe Jean Luc Force said of the team.

Individual winners and team members Karim Florent Laghouag and Dream of Life. Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

Having contested four of the five FEI Eventing Nations Cup legs this season, more than any other nation, and winning two – here in Lignières, and leg three in Strzegom (POL) earlier in June – France lead the 2026 standings and go into Boekelo as the favourites on paper. However, with the 2026 format shakeup, all team points set to zero, and so the final prize is all to play for.

The British team achieved second place with a team of Nations Cup debutants, Lizzie Baugh riding Piltown Concorde, Kate Rowe and Hableur, Andrew Downes with Cooley Foxtrot and Tristram Owers on GRS Carina. Making this Great Britain’s 59th podium finish at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, second only to Germany (61) in the all-time podium finish rankings.

“We had some inexperience in our team, and we were very happy to finish on the podium behind a very strong France on our third visit to Lignières,” Chef d’Equipe Philip Surl said of the team’s result.

“The amount of work and effort that has gone into the preparation of the footing on the cross country by [course designer] Piere Le Goupil and his amazing team has been a lot of work and time, and is hugely appreciated by all the teams.”

Italy back on the podium

France, Great Britain and Italy feature on the Nations Cup podium. Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

In claiming their first podium place of the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup, their first time since Avenches (SUI) in June 2024, the Italian team of Beatrice Maggi and Charlotte 238, Alessio Proia on board Gatto Salta D’o, Pietro Majolino riding Dubi Du and Matteo Arrighi with Clark Del Rilate, secured their nation’s ticket to Boekelo next week, finishing well inside the top 10 rankings for the season.

“I’m very happy with this result, I want to say thank you to our team and the organisation for this wonderful event, but the best part is that Italy have returned to the podium”, Team Trainer, Jacopo Comelli, said with a smile.

Rounding out the team competition was Norway in fourth, consisting of Yasmin Olsson Payne with Cos Me Will, Ellen Kristina Hynne on ML Dirty Harry and Heidi Bratlie Larsen riding SC Mr. Chrichton, and the Swiss team of Robin Godel on board Ilario des Tours, Patrick Rüegg with Tabaro and Camille Guyot riding Sunny For Game, in fifth. Both teams complete their competition claiming their nation a place at Boekelo, also.

The Boekelo stage is set

Joining this weekend’s teams down the dressage centre line at Boekelo on Thursday will be five other nations: Germany, Austria, Poland, Belgium and USA. The home nation, the Netherlands, clinched the tenth and the final spot from a three-way tie between them, New Zealand and Sweden, thanks to posting the lowest qualifying team score (Avenches, June 2026) of the three teams this season.

Now, the points reset to zero and ten nations will arrive in Boekelo in just a few days’ time with clean sheets and an abundance of enthusiasm ready to go head-to-head in the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final, where only one team can emerge as victors.

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream Replays – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream Replays – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Monday News & Notes from Equine Discounts: A USA Win in Ireland; A New Bill for International Equine Travel & More

Since moving from the U.S. to the UK to base with Australia’s Kevin McNab, Alexa Gartenberg has put her goal of putting the building blocks of future success into place into practice. She’s quietly racked up some strong results, and even when her Nations Cup team debut went unluckily sideways in 2024 at Boekelo, she didn’t allow it to define anything. This weekend in Ireland, Alexa earned a big achievement, taking the Goresbridge Horse Sales CCI4*-S title at Ballindenisk with the 13-year-old Cooley Kildaire.

Alexa and “Kili” have grown more and more consistent as their partnership — which begun in 2022 — solidified, and this win is the latest result of that cultivation.

Tom Continues the Tear: Meanwhile, Tom McEwen continued his winning ways at Ballindenisk, winning the NutriScience CCI4*-L (Class Romance), the TRM CCI3*-S (Maestro) and the CCI2*-L (GHS Diamanta). This makes seven four-star wins for Tom this season and, according to EquiRatings, since at least 2008 no rider has collected eight wins at the level in a single season (and we can see how that would be difficult, through the sheer issue of both horse numbers and event numbers). While he’s near certainly not chasing this record as a goal, if he were to achieve it even by accident he’s not got many chances left on the year. He’s got a definite entry at Boekelo this weekend with Isa, but just a couple of options, event-wise beyond that.

[See full Ballindenisk results]


Major International Event Results

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream Replays – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream Replays – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Ballindenisk CCI4*-L (Ireland): [Website] [Scoring]

Eventing at the Parks and Canadian Eastern Eventing Championships (Ontario, Canada): [Website] [Scoring]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replays – H&C+]

Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Scoring]

Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Scoring]

Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Scoring]

Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scoring]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Scoring]

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website] [Scoring]



In the News

  • #ICYMI, Bouckaert Farm in Georgia announced the addition of dedicated U25 FEI divisions at its upcoming October event as well as its three 2027 offerings. Venue owner and Belgian Olympian Carl Bouckaert said it’s a step near and dear to his heart, providing next gen riders the chance to measure up against others of the same generation.
  • The American Horse Council has expressed support for the recent introduction of H.R. 10611, the Temporary International Movement of Equines (TIME) Act. The bill, which would bring international equine transport regulations in the U.S. into alignment with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) — presumably making it easier for horse to move into the U.S. for competitions, etc. — now enters into the next steps of legislation.

Recommended Reading & Listening

  • “Soak time.”: An appropriate name for taking the time that it takes for information to absorb when working with horses. Read more.
  • “How to ride better for your horse”: Missives from Carl Hester’s Masterclass at Dressage at Devon. Read it.
  • Burghley champion Gemma Stevens joined the Jon & Rick Show for their latest episode

Sponsor Corner: Which John Deere Discount Program is Best for You?

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Get started: Call 866-678-4289, email [email protected], or visit equinediscounts.com.



Coaching Corner


Go Eventing Moment of the Day

Another reminder of the Thoroughbred’s place in the sport:

Sunday Links: Tom McEwen Poised for Another Big Weekend, China Makes Dressage History at Asian Games & More

The Tear of Tom McEwen is poised to continue this weekend in Ireland at Ballendenisk’s fall International. Heading into today’s action, Tom is leading the CCI2*-L, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-L after cross country. By the time many of you are reading this on Sunday, some of those results will have come in so be sure to check in here to see if he pulls off yet another multi-win weekend (he just did this at Blenheim, most recently).

[Access full Ballindenisk scores]


Major International Events This Weekend

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Ballindenisk CCI4*-L (Ireland): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

Eventing at the Parks and Canadian Eastern Eventing Championships (Ontario, Canada): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer] [Play Eventing Manager]

Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]



Quick Links


Training Tip of the Day

One tip for improving steering with your horse:


Go Eventing

Laine Ashker is back in the dressage ring at Dressage at Devon this week:

Mary Bess Davis Brings Home First CCI4* Win at Stable View Oktoberfest

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Dave Shapiro.

Saturday at Stable View Oktoberfest began with dressage for the Training and Modified riders, show jumping for the CCI2*-S competitors, and cross country for the Intermediate division.
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Christina Henriksen and her own Cisco’s Calor Z held their lead from start to finish in the Intermediate Division, finishing their weekend on a 38.1. Waylon Roberts and FVF Top Gun LLC’s FVF Top Gun moved up to second place after a quick trip around the cross country. The combination finished on a 54.7. Rebecca Brown and Team Junior Syndicate’s Fernhill Quite Frankly weren’t far behind, finishing in third on a 56.3.
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The CCI3*-S followed the Intermediate, and the division saw quite a few changes in the leaderboard, with the time proving difficult to make and several combinations having stops along the way. Karl Slezak was one of only two to produce a double-clear round, moving up to win the division by 6.8 points on a 30.7 aboard Elizabeth Leete’s HSH Marshall. Slezak also finished in second place on Elizabeth Leete’s Herald De La Rose. The combination finished on a 37.5. Allison Springer and Nancy Winter’s Herald De La Rose also finished on a 37.5, with Slezak finishing just ahead of her on the tie-break.
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As the time approached for the CCI4*-S, the Pavilion porches became lined with spectators. VIP attendees enjoyed cider, Stable View travel cups, and their own to-go charcuterie boards. Stable View sponsors, GGT Footing and The Sharer Dale Team, enjoyed their course-side gazebos with their clients and friends.

The four-star saw plenty of shifting in the leaderboard as well. Overnight leaders Kim Severson and Ros and Bill Johnson’s Cooley Corraghy Diamond had a beautiful trip around the countryside. The combination ultimately added time penalties, dropping them down in the final standings. Severson shared yesterday, “I am really proud of Cory thus far; it has been a work in progress.”
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Alyssa Phillips and her own Rockett 19 added a handful of time penalties themselves. The pair ended their weekend in fifth place on a 43.4. Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing LLC’s Dyri also ended their weekend on a 43.4, finishing just ahead of Phillips on the tie-break to take home fourth place.
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Only two CCI4*-S competitors managed to make the time on Helen West’s course. Waylon Roberts and Andrea McAllister’s Fernhill Salt Lake went double clear to move up to seventh place. Mary Bess Davis and her own Imperio Magic also went double clear. The combination brought home the win and was the only pair to finish sub-40, on a 39.9.
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Davis shared, “Mccoll was absolutely perfection today. I was so proud of him. He was all about business from the first to the last fence. It was such an honor to be his jockey today.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Limited Edition. Photo by Dave Shapiro.


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When asked what this win means for her, she said, “Well, it has taken me until the age of 48 to win a four-star, so today is a dream come true for me. I could not be more happy and proud.”
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Davis’s fall plans include a trip to Morven Park for the CCI4*-L. Davis said, “I think this track was a super prep run, and I am so excited for Morven!”

Caroline Pamukcu and Mollie Hoff’s HSH Limited Edition moved up to second place, adding just nine seconds of time to their score to finish on a 40.4. Aiken-based Emily Hamel and Black Flag Option’s Corvett moved up to third place, finishing on a 41.2.


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Hamel spoke very highly of Corvette, saying, “He’s so good. He’s just like a packer out there. He’s fantastic. We have such a great partnership. It’s fun to just take him out.”

Fans were happy to see the Aiken-based combination back out again at the upper levels. Hamel shared, “You know, at Kentucky he was kind of retired from the five-star level. He was really bored at home, so we brought him here, and he showed that he still has what it takes to run around the four-star. So he’s not retired yet.”
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Cross country course designer for the Intermediate, Advanced, CCI3*-S, and CCI4*-S, Helen West, shared, “I am thrilled with how the tracks rode today. The horses read the questions as I intended, and the lines flowed well. The footing was great, and you could really see horses were happy to travel on it. I feel that it was a positive experience for combinations, and they will come away from it in a good place. It was a perfect setup for autumn three-day events. There were enough questions and it needed riding, but those with a plan and who attacked it in balance made it look effortless.”

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Dave Shapiro.

Alyssa Phillips and her own Nadal led the CCI2*-S from start to finish. The combination added only one second of time over Mogie Bearden-Muller’s track to finish on a 26.3. Sydney Elliot and Carol Stephens’ Greenhall Good Decision went double clear to move up to second place and finish on a 29.1. Jordan Duffet and her own Charlie il Postino moved up to third, finishing on a 34.1.
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Candace Elizabeth Bell and Nell Wade’s Oscar won the CCI1*-S on a 29.5, adding only 2.8 time penalties to their score. Alyssa Phillips and her own Monbeg Dunard Blue finished second on a 33.8, and Laura Hilliard and her own Ballarin Shanado finished on a 48.9.
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Devin Robel and Gillou won the Advanced Division on a 47.5. Riley Zgrebnak and her own Cooley Roan Star won the Open Preliminary on a 29.7. Kaitlyn Cobey and her own Redfield Need For Speed won the Preliminary Rider on an impressive 23.7.
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Going into the final day of competition, Emerson Hover and Amore are sitting in first on a 30.8 in the Modified Rider Division. Lauren New and her own Mister Chin are in first in the Open Modified on a 32.3. Lauren Lambert and Anna Hailey’s FE Joker is Coming are leading the Open Training on a 25.3. In the Training Rider, Sharlee Lowe and her own Conthassini S are sitting in first on a 27.8.

Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19. Photo by Dave Shapiro.


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Beginner Novice and Novice riders completed phase one of competition today. In Novice Rider A, Chloe-Renee Hetman and her own FGF Straight Time are sitting in first on a 27.5. Erica Webb and Crockett Miller’s Mr. Panda are first on a 26.7 in Novice Rider B. In Open Novice A, Sarah Berry Rajoy and Quantum ETC are in first on a 24.2. In Open Novice B, Ariel Grald and Annie Eldridge’s Baylee are sitting in first on a 23.1.
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Lyndsay Peterson and her own Remington Recall had the lowest dressage score of the day, starting their competition on a 20.6 and sitting in first in the Beginner Novice Rider Division. In the Open Beginner Novice, Courtney Lucas and her own Formidable are sitting in first on a 25.3.
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With plenty of competition still to come, the final day of Oktoberfest is shaping up to be another competitive day at Stable View. The remaining divisions will wrap up tomorrow. Spectators are invited to come out and enjoy the final day of competition, with free admission and plenty of opportunities to watch the action throughout the day.

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Volunteer]

Saturday Links: Stable View Cross Country, Follow the French Nations Cup Leg & More

Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Cross country day is upon us at Stable View Oktoberfest and we’re looking at a bright warm day in Aiken, SC as cross country for the upper levels gets underway. If you aren’t able to attend in person, you’ll be able to watch live on Horse & Country here. It looks like the full day of cross country will be broadcast, but please refer to the stream itself for the most up-to-date information.

The day begins at 9:00 am EST with the Open Intermediate, moving into CCI3*-S at 10:02 am, Advanced and CCI4*-S at 12:08 pm, CCI2*-S and Preliminary at 2:13 pm and CCI1*-S at 4:30 pm.

In the CCI4*-S, also a last-ditch chance for US Equestrian Open points for the second and third spots on the series leaderboard, Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond are in the lead after two phases on a score of 32.5. Time is always a factor at these Short format events that are typically set-ups for Long formats, and so it’s sure to influence the final placings — Kim has just 5 seconds of time in hand over Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19 (34.6). Lucienne Bellissimo is hot on Alyssa’s heels on a two-phase score of 35.8 with Dyri and tied with herself on Qatar M.

Helen West’s cross country course carries an optimum time of 6:29 and is running in the opposite direction for a fresh look. This means’s Pavillon-stationed spectators on site will get an early look at the horses and riders as they come through the Pavillon Corner Complex (14AB), the Derby Field Splash (15) and the Easter Academy Alp and Corner (20, 21AB). Take a look at the full course here.

[Access the live stream on H&C+]
[View live scores]


And overseas…

If you’re an earlier bird, you can also tune in for show jumping at the French leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Lignières, which begins at 7:00 am EST and can be viewed for free on the FEI YouTube channel here. Cross country will also be streamed on Sunday on the same channel (also on ClipMyHorse.TV, if you already have a subscription).

Following dressage, France leads the way both in the team standings and individually, with Thomas Carlile and Golden de Beliard AA in the lead with a score of 27.6. View full standings here.


Major International Events This Weekend

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Ballindenisk CCI4*-L (Ireland): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

Eventing at the Parks and Canadian Eastern Eventing Championships (Ontario, Canada): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer] [Play Eventing Manager]

Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]



Quick Links


Training Tip of the Day

A good reminder on body position and not leaning for a fence:


Go Eventing

Meet Musa Hussain, a 21 year old currently competing at 4* level in eventing, with ambitions of ultimately reaching 5*. He’s an ambitious young rider who wants to compete at the highest level and produce good horses. His British-Pakistani heritage is an important part of his identity, and he recognizes that being visible at this level may help encourage people who don’t currently see themselves represented in the sport:

Ladies Rule the Day at Stable View Oktoberfest

Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond lead the CCI4*-S at Stable View Oktoberfest. Photo via Stable View press release.

The first day of competition kicked off as the coldest morning so far this season in Aiken, with a brisk wind chill of 49 degrees. Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing LLC’s Dyri were the first down the center line in the CCI4*-S. They held the early lead, scoring a 31.8. Scores remained on the higher end, with not one score dropping into the 20s this morning. Towards the end of the division, Kim Severson and Ros and Bill Johnson’s Cooley Corraghy Diamond bested Bellissimo’s score by .1 to end dressage on a 31.7. Alyssa Phillips and her own Rockett 19 slid into third place post-dressage on a 33.
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This year’s competition marks the 12th year of Oktoberfest at Stable View. Stable View’s Barry Olliff shared, “This event has gone from a gleam in our eye to one of the largest horse trials on the East Coast. We try and make a few improvements every year—it’s great that riders regularly return. This is the first time in five years that Oktoberfest hasn’t been affected by the weather. We all remember Helene—that was the worst—but this year’s weather is going to be ideal.”
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As the day continued, it turned into a beautiful autumn afternoon, with highs reaching the mid-seventies. Show jumping kicked off in the Phillip’s Arena at 1:15 p.m. with the CCI4*-S and Advanced Divisions. Less than a rail separated the top ten, and Manny Esparza’s course proved challenging with Mary Bess Davis and her own Imperio Magic being the only duo to go double clear. With the rails flying and the time ticking, there was a bit of a shuffle in the leaderboard.

Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19. Photo via Stable View press release.

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Severson managed to hold the lead, adding just two seconds of time to her dressage score. She and Cooley Corraghy Diamond will be going into cross country with a 32.5. Phillips added a handful of time penalties herself but was able to move up to second on a 34.6. Following stadium, Bellissimo is now tied for third place with Qatar M. She and Dyri added one rail to their dressage score, while Qatar M added 1.6 time penalties. They are both sitting on a 35.8.

When asked about her rides in the four-star today, Phillips shared, “He was a bit wild for the dressage, and I had to be very tactful. There were a few mistakes, but I have him fit for Morven, and the weather is a bit chilly, so the fitness really showed up today. He jumped great. It’s nice to feel him ready to go because down in Florida it’s still a little muggy, so they’re more mellow.”

We asked if she had a chance to check out the cross country yet: “I’ve been around the cross country once, and I’m about to go out again, but it looks nice. There’s a lot to do. I look forward to having a good prep run to set us up well for Morven!”
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When asked about her rides, Bellissimo shared, “Really impressed with Qatar M today. It’s his first CCI4*, and he showed serious potential in both the dressage and show jumping, although he’s still green in his flying changes at this time. Dyri had an unlucky rail in show jumping, but I have no doubt the cross country will be influential tomorrow. The ground is superb, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Qatar M. Photo via Stable View press release.

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The CCI3*-S is the largest division this weekend, with thirty-seven combinations. Caroline Pamukcu and Luann McElduff and Sherrie Martin’s HSH Conner moved up to first place following show jumping to sit on a 29.3. Canadian Katie Malensek and her own Civento moved up to second after a beautiful double-clear show jumping round. They will head into cross country on a 29.6. Not far behind them, on a 30.2, is Caroline Pamukcu and Mollie Hoff’s Nobless.
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In the Advanced Division, Devin Robel and Gillou are sitting in first on a 37.1. In the Intermediate, Christina Henriksen and her own Cisco’s Calor Z are in first on a 32.9.
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The CCI2*-S and CCI1*-S divisions finished phase one of their competitions today. In the two-star, Alyssa Phillips is leading on her own Nadal on a 25.9. Elisa Wallace and Donna Bigg’s Belline Foody’s Out of the Blue are in second on a 28.6. Rounding out the top three is Michelle Mercier and her own Shirsheen Fun For All with a 29.
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In the CCI1*-S Division, Candace Elizabeth Bell and Nell Wade’s Oscar are sitting in first on a 26.7. Susan Plumb and CDP Stables LLC’s Cooley All In are sitting in second on a 28.5. Rounding out the top three is Alyssa Phillips, who has had a great start to her weekend, and her own Monbeg Dunard Blue. The pair will go into tomorrow on a 29.8.

Helen West, cross country designer for the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, Advanced, and Intermediate, shared, “The tracks have a variety of questions which test balance and accuracy. All questions are clear for the horse to read, and I hope will encourage good jumping and provide pleasing pictures.”

[View the cross country maps]
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West went on to share, “The tracks are beautifully prepared, and it is always a great experience designing here at Stable View with such a fabulous selection of well-built fences to play with. I have enjoyed introducing more real brush at the higher levels, which enables me to ask greater accuracy questions, with some of the angles in particular. I also think it gives a more natural and authentic cross country experience and helps prepare combinations for the major three-day events. I am looking forward to watching the tracks ride tomorrow and hope everyone enjoys riding them.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Shelby Allen.

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Bellissimo and Dyri won the CCI4*-S at this year’s Stable View Spring FEI. They also took home first place at Oktoberfest in 2024. Will this weekend add a third Stable View Four-Star to their record, or will Qatar M, Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond, Phillips and Rockett 19, or another combination take home the title?

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer] [Play Eventing Manager]
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Bouckaert Farm to Add Dedicated U25 Divisions Starting in October

U25 World Championships individual bronze medalist Olivia Dutton competes at Bouckaert Farm. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

Developing riders heading to Bouckaert Farm (Georgia) this fall will have a new chance to compete against riders of similar age. The long-standing equestrian venue, which has committed to a future of equestrian sport in the coming years (and has stated on its website that a “permanent solution” for the venue’s equestrian future is in the works), will debut dedicated U25 divisions at the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S levels at Bouckaert Equestrian International Horse Trials, October 23–25, and will carry those divisions through all three of its international events in 2027.

For Carl Bouckaert, a two-time Olympian for Belgium, the new divisions address a familiar problem for young riders at FEI events.

“A young rider can have an excellent result at an FEI event and still finish well down the leaderboard because they are competing against some of the most experienced professionals in the sport,” he said in a press release. “Dedicated U25 competition gives those riders a chance to see how they compare with others in their generation and have strong performances recognized as they move through the levels. Bouckaert Farm is an exceptional venue, and with three International Horse Trials on the calendar each year, we have an opportunity to make U25 competition a real part of what we offer. We want developing riders to have a place where they can gain experience, build results and keep progressing through the international levels.”

USEF Eventing Selector Michael Pollard sees the initiative as a building block for the U.S. pathway.

“The U25 years are one of the most important transition points in an athlete’s development,” Michael said. “These riders need FEI mileage, experience competing under pressure and opportunities to measure themselves against their peers. Dedicated U25 divisions create meaningful competition at that stage, raise the standard within the next generation and help develop a deeper pool of athletes capable of progressing into senior international competition. That ultimately strengthens the U.S. eventing pathway and our ability to produce competitive teams in the future.”

The October 23–25 International will run CCI1*-S through CCI4*-S, the new U25 divisions at the 1*, 2* and 3* levels, and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced, over a cross country track designed by Clayton Fredericks.

Dedicated CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S U25 divisions will be offered at each of the following, alongside open FEI competition through CCI4*-S and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced:

  • March 4–7, 2027
  • August 19–23, 2027
  • October 21–24, 2027

The Internationals sit within a larger Bouckaert calendar of schooling shows and national events, which Carl says is designed to keep horses and riders coming back as they progress. “Our goal is to provide consistency throughout the season,” he said. “Whether someone is developing a young horse, moving through the national levels or progressing through FEI competition, we want Bouckaert to be a venue they can return to throughout the year. With schooling shows, National Horse Trials and International Horse Trials across the calendar, horses and riders can keep gaining experience and progressing at whatever level they are at.”

Learn more about Bouckaert Farm and its competition calendar here.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L Reveals World-Class Entry List

The following article contains portions of a press release that has been translated from Dutch and lightly edited for style. Please forgive any translation errors. To read the original release, click here.

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado d’Arville, 2025 Boekelo champions. Lara returns this year with three entries for the title. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The organizers of Military Boekelo-Enschede can once again look forward to the arrival of numerous world-class riders for the 55th edition of the event, taking place Thursday, October 1 to Friday, October 4.

The list comprises a total of 85 riders from 15 countries with a combined 106 horses. Great Britain will provide by far the largest share of the starting list, with 19 riders and 23 horses.

Among the British is the 2022 World Champion Yasmin Ingham, fresh off top six finishes at Burghley and Blenheim’s 8/9-Year-Old CCI4*-S Championships, which were used as a set-up for the 9-year-old Kinda Corvette to contest his second CCI4*-L. Yasmin’s joined by British World Championships representatives Tom McEwen with Isa and Caroline Harris with Lester CKV, as well as teammate and Burghley winner Gemma Stevens with the Chilli Morning clone, Chilli Morning IV and Cooley Park Muze.

Jack Curtis and Luska Candy Clover. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For the USA, the four-member team of Hallie Coon (Sirius SB), Jack Curtis (Luska Candy Clover), Allie Knowles (LS Crown Royal and Montpellier Scais) and Lauren Nicholson (Landmark’s Jungle Gold) will compete for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup competition while also doing the double duty of providing experience and depth to its roster as a home Olympics in Los Angeles loom two years from now.

Germany is led by Julia Krajewski, who already stood on the top podium in Boekelo in 2018 with Samourai du Toit and in 2024 with Uelzeners Nickel. She was recently part of the Germans’ silver quartet in Aachen with the 2024 Boekelo winner. This year, she’s brought the 12-year-old Selle Francais Ero de Cantraie, who’s just won the 4*-S at Strzegom earlier this month. Ingrid Klimke has an exciting 4*-L debutant in the 10-year-old Kallista, who’s been in Ingrid’s stable for a little over a year.

Belgian Lara de Liedekerke-Meier makes her twentieth appearance at Boekelo in the Twente classic as the defending champion. Last year, she was the first in the event’s history to secure an individual victory for her country. She’ll have three shots at the title this year in La La Land D’Arville, Call Me Senorita and Quintus.

[View the current entry list – current as of September 24]

Military Boekelo-Enschede has been the regular venue for the FEI Nations Cup final for years. This year, the team competition is getting a different setup, with the final being run according to a new format. Nine selected teams start the decisive competition with a clean slate, guaranteeing significantly more excitement than before.

Context: The Series will continue to feature CCI4*-S qualifying legs followed by the CCI4*-L at Boekelo in October but the overall title will no longer be decided by cumulative points across the season. Instead, the new structure is designed to reintroduce jeopardy and reduce predictability, creating a true winner-takes-all Final.

Across the five qualifying legs at Marbach, Bicton, Strzegom, Avenches, and Lignières, nations can compete as often as they choose, with only their best three results counting towards qualification. After the five legs, the top 10 nations will progress to the Boekelo Final, where all scores reset to zero and every team starts again on equal footing to compete for the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ title. View the current Nations Cup standings (which won’t include the final qualifier leg in France that’s happening this weekend) here.

The title is being defended by Germany, which had to settle for second place behind England at the most recent World Championships on home soil in Aachen and finished ahead of the Americans in the battle for silver. In addition to these countries, the teams from Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland will also be competing in Boekelo.

Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz compete at Boekelo in 2025. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Adrian Ditcham is starting his seventh edition as course designer for Military Boekelo-Enschede. The 55-year-old Englishman succeeded his compatriot Sue Benson in 2019, who fulfilled the important role of designing obstacles to full satisfaction for no less than 19 years. This time, the Brit is presenting a course that is run in the opposite direction to previous years.

“Boekelo is a very important event for the sport of eventing,” Adrian said. “Many riders test their horses there at the end of the season, with which they want to compete in an international championship such as the World Championships or the Olympic Games the following year or two years later. You hardly see young horses from around nine years old at this level internationally anywhere else.”

That is certainly the case for the upcoming edition, as the participants are now riding in the opposite direction, meaning that not a single one of the 26 obstacles is exactly the same as last year. A significant difference compared to previous years is that the most important of the two water combinations must now be overcome early in the course. By tradition, it is the most selective decider on the approximately six-kilometer course, where by far the largest crowds of spectators invariably gather.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L (Netherlands): [Website] [Entries/Schedule]