Classic Eventing Nation

CSI5* Show Jumping to Run Alongside Defender Kentucky CCI5* in 2025

By on Oct 4, 2024 9:30 am -

Santiago Lambre of Mexico, winner of the inaugural $225,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2018. Photo by Michelle Dunn Photo courtesy of LRK3DE.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports through the staging of events at the highest level, is thrilled to announce a new name and elevated 5* status for the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute!

EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE), the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the recently upgraded Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. 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.

Early Bird Ticket Pricing opens Thursday, October 10, for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27, 2025. The best deals on tickets are only available until December, so don’t miss out on your chance to watch the world’s premier three-day event!

Formerly known as the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix, the Kentucky International CSI made its debut at the 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event as a CSI3* and was held as a CSI4* for the first time in 2024. As a CSI5* in 2025, the international show jumping event will make EEI the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week. As has been the case since the start of the CSI, Derek Braun and his Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) team will produce and manage the event for EEI.

“We’re thrilled at Hagyard to be the Presenting Sponsor once again at this prestigious event, and we are excited for the changes announced for 2025,” said Dr. Laura Werner, Surgeon, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “EEI and Hagyard are two of the premier brands in the equine industry, so it seems like a natural partnership.”

Starting on October 10, Single-Day and Multi-Day tickets will be available at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets. All grounds admission tickets to the K3DE include general parking and admission to the Kentucky Horse Park and International Trade Fair, but do not include access to the competition in the Rolex Stadium. Reserved grandstand seating is sold separately from grounds admission, and traditionally the best seats sell out fast, so everyone is encouraged to place their orders early. Grounds admission is free for children 12 years and under with adult ticket purchases.

For eventing fans looking to enjoy the ultimate curated Kentucky experience, there will be several Hospitality Packages available including the Five-Star Club, the Kentucky Club and a new hospitality offering, The Start Box Club. Details will be available on the website beginning October 10.

Reserved spaces for Saturday’s Defender Tailgate will also be available when ticket sales open. This is the best way to experience the excitement of Cross-Country Day. Platinum and premium spaces tend to sell out fast, so be sure to book early!

Further details on all ticket options and information on the K3DE and elevated Kentucky International can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/.

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Oct 4, 2024 12:01 am -

We’ve got two CCI5* events left on the calendar this year, both happening this month at the MARS Maryland 5 Star (October 16-20) and Les 5 Etoiles de Pau (October 24-27), and while we eagerly await the full entry list at Pau we do know that Boyd Martin is aiming two of his horses (Fedarman B and Miss Lulu Herself) at this 5*, as are Will Coleman and Off the Record and defending champions Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Much more to come on the final 5* of the 2024 season — stay tuned.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Maryland H.T. + Area II Championships at Loch Moy Farm (MD): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Woodside Fall International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteeer]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores]

Miami Valley H.T. at Twin Towers (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

News & Reading

An FEI stakeholder meeting was held on October 1 to address the social license and welfare issues facing the sport of dressage. The meeting served to reaffirm the core objectives of the sport, as well as to work through ways to realign things to match up better with these core values. [Read the summary]

After 14 years as a rider and coach at Germany’s Warendorf facility, Julia Krajewski is moving on. “It’s a personal decision,” Julia told ReiterRevue. “The time after the Olympic Games is the phase in which athletes think about what to do next. I really enjoyed working as a national coach. I have been a rider and trainer for 14 years now. Now a different phase is coming. I want to concentrate more on myself in the coming period.” Talks are currently underway to identify and hire a new coach at Warendorf, which systematically produces young event riders to the top levels of the sport and has seen numerous success stories out of its program. [More on this story]

Silva Martin lit up the Oval this past weekend during Dressage at Devon, winning the Devon Dance-Off competition with her longtime homebred partner, Rosa Cha. We LOVED Silva’s full embracing of the hippie outfit, just saying. [Read the story]

Entries for the Educational 3-Day at Florida Horse Park are open now! Don’t miss out on this incredible project from the local eventing community dedicated to education and fun at every level of the sport, happening November 18-23 just outside of Ocala. Entry fees go up at the end of October. You can join this Facebook group for more information on the event.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Closing date for the October Eventing Academy at Stable View is TODAY! The October Academy will take place October 11-13 and features ample opportunity for schooling and practice ahead of a low-pressure, unrecognized competition on the final day. You can accumulate points for year-end prizes and gain some valuable experience without the hefty fees. October is one of three Eventing Academy dates left on the 2024 calendar, so don’t miss out! Learn more here. You can also read a write-up on the Stable View Eventing Academy here.

Video Break

Get some tips on your 10-meter circles from FEI judge and 5* rider Valerie Pride:

Introducing Sport Horse Nation 2.0 + Get Your FREE LISTING Promo Code!

By on Oct 3, 2024 12:30 pm -

As legend has it, EN’s OG companion classifieds site — Sport Horse Nation — was built by John in his mom’s basement in 2010. There may or may not have been a chinchilla involved.

That’s not important.

What IS important is that, while functional and still widely used, SHN has been looking its age of late …

… and John recently crawled out of the woodwork to give it a full makeover.

As such, we are excited to roll out a fresh new SHN, replete with advanced user features and upgraded search functionality that will be helpful for buyers and sellers alike.To help you filter through over a hundred eventing horses for sale, you can now narrow your search by criteria like breed, height, level competed, and geographic region, so that if you’re a 6’3″ Beginner Novice rider in Florida you no longer need to sift through piles of four-star ponies in Washington state to find your unicorn. (OK, “piles” is a strong word.)

Sliders for personality and aptitude — Is this horse more ‘whoa’ or ‘go’? Are we talking K3DE-bound or just total dominance and annihilation at the local green-as-grass CT? — make it easier for sellers to authentically communicate their horse’s vibe.

We’re going to fire back up our weekly “Sport Horse Nation Spotlight” post and showcase horses for sale on SHN’s socials as well, so be sure to follow along on SHN Facebook.

It’s been 14 years and thousands of horses sold since SHN began but our original mission remains the same: connecting quality horses with homes where they can be happy and successful.

We believe in better partnerships through smarter matchmaking. We believe in a horse-first marketplace where radical transparency isn’t the exception but the rule. We believe there is a perfect equine match for every rider, and our goal is to bring them together. We believe in bringing all of this together in the only exclusive place to buy and sell eventing horses.

And we believe in giving YOU dibs! EN readers get unlimited free listings until October 10th with promo code “GoEventing” at checkout. Check it out today!

[Browse Over 100 Eventing Horses for Sale at Sport Horse Nation]

Maryland 5 Star Entry Preview: Mai Baum Returns, Strong International Contenders Feature on Roster

By on Oct 3, 2024 9:00 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Kentucky.

Entries have closed and we now have a small but mighty field to look forward to at this year’s MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory (October 17-20). As always, the Maryland 5 Star also features a large CCI3*-L entry list, as well as entries for the USEA East Coast Young Event Horse Championships for 4- and 5-year-olds, all of which run alongside the CCI5* division.

The North America-Based Contenders

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Abby Powell.

It goes without saying that all eyes will be on Mai Baum, the Defender Kentucky champion from 2023, who returns to the CCI5* level for one last hurrah with Tamie Smith. The 18-year-old German gelding owned by the Ahearn and Markell families narrowly missed out on a team spot for Paris this summer after dealing with some minor injuries, but Tamie set her sights on Maryland as an ideal “plan B.” “Lexus” has had a light year due to the aforementioned downtime, winning an Intermediate at Twin Rivers this summer en route to the East coast. He last competed at the 4*+ level earlier this year after finishing third individually at CHIO Aachen in the summer of 2023, winning the 4*-S at Galway Downs to kick off his 2024 season. He also won the Open Intermediate at Twin Rivers in September as his final prep for Maryland.

Paris Olympian Boyd Martin features on this list with three horses who are household names at this point. This includes the inaugural Maryland 5 Star winner, On Cue (owned by the Turner family), who was 10th at Burghley in 2023. “Cue”, who is also one of three 18-year-old horses in the field, has also enjoyed a lighter prep this summer, leaning on her experience to prep her for this start without unnecessary wear and tear.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Boyd’s Tokyo partner Tsetserleg (owned by the Turner family) also joins the field, just missing out on the 18-year-old club membership at 17 this year. Of all the 5* starts to this U.S.-bred Trakehner gelding’s record, Maryland 5 Star has never been one of them, and Boyd has eyed this up as his goal for his longtime friend after taking him to Badminton earlier this year.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Making his debut at the 5* level is Commando 3 (owned by Yankee Creek Ranch), who was Boyd’s direct reserve horse in Paris. In the short time Boyd’s had the ride on this 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, he’s ticked off all the prep stops one would imagine en route to a competitive 5* debut, including a second-place finish in the Lexington CCI4*-S in April, a win in the CCI4*-L at Morven Park last fall, and a top 5 in the CCI4*-S at Bromont last spring. While this is very much a horse for the future, you also shouldn’t let the first 5* deter you from picking “Connor” as a top finisher.

Jennie Saville and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Jennie Brannigan is another one to watch on the U.S. side, bringing forward the Gardners’ homebred Twilightslastgleam, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding who made his 5* debut here at Maryland in 2022, finishing just outside of the top 15. Fun fact, this horse also competed in the Young Event Horse Championships at Fair Hill when he was just a young gun!

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Buck Davidson will bring forward the 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Sorocaima, who seriously impressed at Kentucky this spring with a sixth place finish. Buck and “Cam” were also inside the top 10 in the final standings at Maryland in 2023.

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Emily Hamel is another name most eventing fans will recognize, thanks in part to her partner, Corvett‘s “unusual” jumping style. This will be Emily and “Barry’s” eighth CCI5* start together, and their third time competing in the Maryland 5 Star. They’ve done nearly every 5* there is to be done in the world at this point, except for Pau and Adelaide, and they’re consistent performers who can generally be trusted to jump clear and finish close their dressage score.

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach. Photo by Abby Powell.

Ema Klugman is back for another 5* start with the athletic mare Bronte Beach Z. This will be Bronte’s second CCI5* start, having debuted at the level in Kentucky this year, where she finished just outside of the top 20. Ema, who just started a new job as a newly-minted attorney working as a law clerk, balances her new career with managing several horses at the Advanced and Intermediate levels, and Bronte Beach is a product of this system. We can anticipate improvement from this pair as the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare gains more experience and strength for the demands of the top level.

Allie Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Allie Knowles and Morswood are another pair we’ve come to anticipate on these 5* entry lists, coming forward this time for their seventh start at the level. They took an abbreviated trip around Burghley’s cross country last month, an unlucky parting of ways cutting their trip overseas short and putting a re-route on their path.

Joe Meyer and Harbin. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Riding for New Zealand but very much a part of the U.S. community is Joe Meyer, who will bring foward Harbin (owned by the Meyers as well as Theresa Foote), a 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, for his second CCI5* start. This was another pair that caught our eye in Kentucky with their gritty performance, where they finished in the top 15.

Jessie Phoenix and Wabbit. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Three-time Canadian Olympian Jessie Phoenix will bring forward fan favorite (it’s all in the ears!) Wabbit (owned by Jim Phillips) for his second CCI5* of the year after completing Badminton this spring. Wabbit is yet another Thoroughbred in this year’s field, and Jessie will be looking to improve upon her top 20 finish with this horse at Maryland in 2022. She will also ride the 16-year-old Canadian Sporthorse mare Fluorescent Adolescent (owned by Makayla Rydzik) in her CCI5* debut.

Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Also representing Canada is Lindsay Traisnel, who will compete Patrica Pearce’s 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding Bacyrouge in his first CCI5*. Lindsay has started a 5* before (Pau – 2012) but will be looking for her first completion and a long-awaited return to the level with the horse she took to the Pan American Games last fall, earning a team gold medal and individual bronze.

Lillian Heard and LCC Barnaby. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Lillian Heard Wood is partnered with the third 18-year-old horse in the field in one LCC Barnaby, who comes forward for his 15th CCI5* start. This horse has competed at this level for nearly a decade with Lillian, and she’s the first to tell you he’s only gotten better (and more rideable on cross country!) with age.

Last but certainly not least, three UK-based American riders are coming “home” for a visit and a trip around the Maryland 5 Star.

Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

London Olympian Tiana Coudray and Cancaras Girl burst onto the 5* scene at Badminton earlier this year, their sophomore effort at the level after parting ways on cross country in the now-14-year-old mare’s debut. At Badminton, they put Burghley to bed for good with an emphatic top-25 finish that featured a near-personal best dressage mark.

Cosby Green and Highly Suspicious. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Cosby Green, fresh off a 16th-place finish at Burghley with Copper Beach, will bring the 14-year-old Irish gelding Highly Suspicious for his 5* debut. This is a horse Cosby’s had in her program for the better part of 10 years, methodically producing him for this moment. She’s got a lot of experience at this level now, but bringing a first-time horse versus one that’s done it before requires a different approach. She’s done that in spades, working with the Prices (with whom she’s been basing in the UK) and selecting the right events to test the horse’s mettle before stepping up to 5*. She and Highly Suspicious are coming off back-to-back 4* podium finishes in Ireland and France and have also finished strong in their two CCI4*-L competitions.

Grace Taylor and Game Changer. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Grace Taylor is also coming over from the UK, bringing the 12-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding, Game Changer, for a third CCI5* start. This pair has jumped around cross country at Badminton (18th – 2024) and Burghley (withdrew before show jumping – 2023) and come forward well-prepared for their first 5* on American soil.

One notable absentee from this roster on the U.S. side is Diabolo, who was to contest his first 5* with Will Coleman at Maryland. Will shared with EN that “Dab” picked up a minor injury in his last prep run in Unionville and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

The Overseas Entries

Six of the entries on this year’s Maryland list come from international riders (not counting the U.S. riders based in the UK mentioned above).

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Current world #3 and defending Kentucky champion Oliver Townend (GBR) is making another trip over for Maryland, this time with another former Kentucky champion, Ballaghmor Class (owned by Angela Hislop, Val Ryan, and Karyn Shuter). One of several 17-year-olds in the field, “Thomas” capped off 2023 in a big way, winning Defender Burghley for the second time and adding to his bursting trophy cabinet. This is the most successful horse in the field, winning three 5*s and finishing off the podium just once, in fifth place, in nine starts. This 10th 5* stands to be a big one for Oliver and Ballaghmor Class if they can return to the form they’ve demonstrated to this point.

Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

World #7 and another winner here at Maryland, Tim Price (NZL), will compete with Falco (owned by Sue Benson), who was his partner for a sixth place individual finish in Paris this summer. Falco is also a 5* winner in his own right, taking the Pau title 2021, which has been his sole 5* start as he’s been aimed primarily at championships in the intervening years. He was individual and team bronze at World Championships in Pratoni and at 14 still has much left to give — including, potentially, another 5* trophy in his first event on U.S. soil.

Harry Meade and Away Cruising. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Harry Meade (GBR) finds himself rather flush with 5* horses this year, bringing two to Maryland after competing three other horses at Burghley last month. He’s got two solid contenders in the Dear and Opperman families’ 17-year-old Away Cruising (also making his 10th 5* start at Maryland) and 5* debutant Et Hop Du Matz (owned by Mandy Gray).

Bubby Upton and Cola. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Bubby Upton continues her incredible comeback story with a first trip to the U.S. aboard Cola, who was 10th at Badminton this spring. Bubby had a series of massive injuries last summer after a fall while riding on the flat. She underwent extensive surgeries to stabilize a burst fracture of the L3 and a horizontal fracture of the L2 vertebrae, and went on to return to the 5* level at Badminton. And she hasn’t just launched a comeback — she’s in it to win it, and she’s got a horse to do it on. A frangible pin penalty at Badminton created a “what could have been” scenario, but she’ll be ready to put that to bed this month in Maryland and leave it all out on the cross country track.

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

David Doel is making his second trip to the U.S. and first to the Maryland 5 Star with Galileo Nieuwmoed (owned by Mary Fox, Gillian Jonas, and the rider), making their ninth CCI5* start together. This pair is yet another serious threat to the top of the leaderboard, having coming second at Burghley last year. They’ve finished at least in the top five in four times in their 5* partnership and stand to make it a fifth this. month.

And there you have it! It’s a small field, but in an Olympic year and with two other 5*s on the late summer/fall calendar, it’s to be expected. We’ll be cheering on each and every rider, and you’ll be able to learn even more about the 5* pairs in our forthcoming Form Guide, which is included in the MARS Maryland 5 Star Digital Program.

You can view full entries to the MARS Maryland 5 Star and much more information on the event here.

MARS Maryland 5 Star: [Website] [Entries] [Tickets] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Our coverage of the MARS Maryland 5 Star is brought to you by our incredible supporters, Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional products to keep your horse feeling their best at all times. They’ll even get on the phone with you to help you formulate a solid supplementation plan for your horse’s individual needs! We’d really appreciate your support of KPP, as they’re champions for our sport and beyond and are wonderful people to boot. Check them out here.

Thursday News & Notes from TerraNova Equestrian

By on Oct 3, 2024 12:01 am -

A 5*-sized throwback this Thursday from you out of The Chronicle of the Horse archives: now a renowned Olympic course designer, Derek di Grazia is also a top competitor, riding at the top levels of the sport and winning Kentucky’s then-3* competition in 1985 with Sasquatch. You can read more about this stop on memory lane here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Maryland H.T. + Area II Championships at Loch Moy Farm (MD): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Woodside Fall International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteeer]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]

Miami Valley H.T. at Twin Towers (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

News & Reading

We’re going to use most of the space in today’s News & Notes to share some opportunities to help those affected by Hurricane Helene as well as news and updates from around the horse communities affected.

Please note, while we do our best to verify the opportunities below, we always advise that you check the context of those gathering donations and otherwise offering help and ensure that you’re giving to an organization or person you trust. We also know this is not a comprehensive list, so feel free to email us at [email protected] with a link to a credible donation outlet or charitable organization.

Helene Updates and Coverage:

Blue Ridge Horse Community Digging Out From Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Tryon Hurricane Helene Update – October 1

Mountain Mules are Bringing Hope to Appalachia

Ways to Help:

Donate to The Foundation of the Horse Disaster Relief fund.

Video Break

Take a tour of the beautiful TerraNova Equestrian Center, which looks foward to welcoming eventers at all levels to the November Event at TerraNova (November 14-17) in Myakka City, FL.

US Equestrian Open of Eventing Announces Qualifier Schedule

By on Oct 2, 2024 9:30 am -

Following the recent announcement of the forthcoming US Equestrian Open, a new series of events highlighting the Olympic disciplines of eventing, dressage, and show jumping, the qualifier competitions for the Eventing competition have been unveiled.

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing will feature an unprecedented amount of prize monies, including $1 million on offer across disciplines and $200,000 up for grabs at the Eventing Final hosted at Morven Park in October of 2025.

More details have yet to be revealed about the series, but the qualifier pathway will feature a $50,000 series award that can be distributed based on rankings. The qualifier schedule also highlights venues around the country and on both coasts to ensure athletes in all areas can have a chance to compete in the series.

The full Eventing Final qualifier schedule is as follows:

2024 Competitions:
1. Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials CCI-4*-S – October 10-13
2. Bouckaert Equestrian Horse Trials International CCI4*-S – October 25-27

2025 Competitions:
1. Bouckaert Equestrian Horse Trials International CCI4*-S – March 6-9
2. Carolina International CCI4*-S – March 13-16
3. The Event at Terranova CCI4*-S – March 27-30
4. Stable View Spring CCI4*-S – April 4-6
5. Twin Rivers Spring International CCI4*-S – April 10-13
6. Ocala International Festival of Eventing CCI4* – April 17-20
7. Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4*-S – April 23-27
8. Tryon International Three-Day Event CCI4*-S – May 7-11
9. Aspen Farm Horse Trials CCI4*-S – June 12-15
10. The Maryland International CCI4*-S – July 3-7
11. The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S – July 16-20
12. Bouckaert Equestrian Horse Trials International CCI4*-S – August 29-31
13. The Fork at Tryon CCI4* – September 11-14
14. Twin Rivers Fall International CCI4*-S – September 19-21
15. Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*S – September 24-28
16. Woodside Fall International CCI4*-S – October 3-5

The Final:
US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final – Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials CCI4*-L – October 9-12

The US Equestrian Open has a new website, on which you’ll be able to follow along with events in each discipline’s series, leaderboard updates, and live streaming information. We’ll keep you updated on new announcements from this series and beyond and will see you at the first qualifier leg happening at Morven Park next weekend.

 

Wednesday News & Notes from Morven Park

By on Oct 2, 2024 12:01 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A few personnel and staffing changes at the FEI lead off our news round-up this morning as the international governing body has announced a new Director of Eventing to replace Catrin Norinder upon retirement after 37 years of service.

For her part, Catrin Norinder has been involved in the organization of equestrian sports at the Olympic Games starting with Seoul the same year she was hired (1988). She also played a key role in the creation of the Eventing Risk Management Program.

Frédérique Reffet Plantier will take over as Director of Eventing in 2025. Photo courtesy of the FEI.

Frédérique Reffet Plantier will now step up to replace Catrin, effective January 1, 2025. Catrin will stay on in a consulting role for the first part of 2025 to assist with the handover of the role. An FEI press release about the appointment reads:

Working with the FEI since 2012, Reffet Plantier started in the Eventing and Olympic Department working closely with the Director and colleagues on all aspects of event and competition management, FEI Committee administration, and the development of risk management practices within the discipline.

In 2021, she transitioned into the role of Senior Manager within the office of the FEI Secretary General, allowing her to gain valuable experience in governance and decision-making, significantly expanding her skill set in both leadership and management.

“Throughout her time at the FEI, we have had the pleasure of observing Frédérique’s significant contributions across her various roles,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“She has approached each challenge with unwavering professionalism and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage complex projects.

“Frédérique is well placed to take on this key role within the organisation, with her comprehensive knowledge of the Eventing discipline and her familiarity with the internal workings of the FEI governance structures. Her inclusive and supportive nature has made her a trusted and valued member of the FEI team at our headquarters in Lausanne and we are excited to see the next chapter of the FEI Eventing Department develop under her leadership.”

Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee and former Olympic Eventing gold medallist from the USA, David O’Connor said, “Frédérique brings to the Director’s position a deep understanding of the operational framework of the Eventing discipline, practical experience in implementing these elements at events worldwide, and a sound awareness of horses as an avid equestrian herself.

“Throughout her involvement in the sport’s evolution, Frédérique has played a crucial role in significant decisions, including changes to the Olympic format and advancements in Eventing Risk Management.

“Having witnessed Frédérique’s growth within the sport, I am confident that her respect for its history, combined with her openness to new approaches for future advancement, makes her the ideal candidate for the Director of Eventing position.”

In other personnel news from the FEI, its Communications Director, Olivia Robinson, has also departed from her role after 18 years of service. The governing body will now reassess its operations and departments with findings to be reported in the coming months.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Maryland H.T. + Area II Championships at Loch Moy Farm (MD): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Woodside Fall International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteeer]

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]

Miami Valley H.T. at Twin Towers (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

News & Reading

Ocala’s World Equestrian Center housed 1,200 horses during Hurricane Helene. What goes into this effort to help keep horses and humans safe during extreme weather events? Read more here.

Tryon Equestrian Resort has also been providing updates from Helene as the North Carolina and Tennessee areas continue to recover from massive damages done by the storm.

Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program Championships, which were to be held at Stable View this weekend, have been postponed to October 24-27 as the venue continues to grapple with damage done as Helene moved through Aiken. Declarations and entries have subsequently been extended to October 15, and full refunds will be given to any competitors provided they scratch by October 4. More information here.

British Equestrian has unveiled a new Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which includes six key strategic objectives outlined through research for Horses For All. More information on this plan here.

How can you overcome the things that overwhelm you, especially when it comes to competitive environments? Coach Daniel Stewart has some advice in his latest “Pressure Proof” column for the USEA, and it involves things we can practice both in and out of the saddle. Read more here.

Sponsor Corner: Morven Park Fall International & H.T.

We can’t wait to spend “a day in the country” with you next weekend at the Morven Park Fall International & H.T.! With eventing action and championships happening at multiple levels, a slew of awards on offer for top performers, and plenty of ways to enhance the spectator experience, this is truly a fall event not to be missed. Tailgate and VIP opportunities start at just $150, and you can secure your spot here and here.

Video Break

Get excited for Morven Park with us!

Restart Your OTTB with this Program from Ride iQ

By on Oct 1, 2024 12:30 pm -

OTTB trainer Aubrey Graham. Photo courtesy of Ride iQ / Kassie A. Colson.

A good Thoroughbred is still the ultimate athlete for the sport of eventing. Their athleticism—and in particular, their gallop—is hard for any other breed of horse to match. Getting a Thoroughbred off the racetrack is also one of the most affordable ways to get into the sport because off-the-track Thoroughbreds (“OTTBs”) are generally a fraction of the price of purpose-bred warmbloods.

However, switching careers can be challenging for a horse. Asking a racehorse to become an eventer is a bit like asking an engineer to become a lawyer. Some aspects of the job might be the same, but shifting careers can present real challenges and there is often a tough adjustment period. The horse has to learn an entirely new set of skills, and they might have some baggage from their years at the track that makes it hard to become an event horse.

In partnership with the Retired Racehorse Project, Ride iQ produced a 10-lesson series to help riders bring along their OTTBs. Ride iQ coach Aubrey Grahamholds your hand through these lessons as she helps you take your horse from basic groundwork exercises to flatwork and eventually jumping.

Aubrey’s main focus is restarting OTTBs, and each year she contributes to the training of, on average, at least 50 Thoroughbreds. She also specializes in horses that are known for having extensive training issues or have been labeled “problem horses.” Aubrey is also the founder of “Thoroughbred Logic,” which includes a series of articles published weekly on EN’s sister site, Horse Nation, as well as nationally-held masterclasses and clinics.

Having such an experienced horsewoman walk you through the steps of restarting your OTTB is a real advantage, especially if you are doing most of the restarting yourself. Through the course of this series, Aubrey works with a 4 year-old Thoroughbred that she is retraining. Whether your horse is four, or six, or eight, the lessons are broadly applicable for any horse switching careers.

To me, one of the most rewarding aspects of training horses is learning how they think and what makes them tick. We have a young OTTB at the moment who I believe has the qualities to be a top eventer. About a year ago, we were out hacking and introduced him to his first “water jump,” which is a wide stream near our farm. He was quite suspicious at first, and would not go in even with a lead horse. We let him stand there and sniff the edge and think about the question for about two minutes with no pressure. Then, like a light switch, he walked straight in. We learned a lot about that horse from that experience—that he likes to have a moment to figure out the question being asked, and then he is more than willing to attempt to give you the right answer. That way of processing information has in turn informed our further training with that horse, and we will keep that in mind for years to come.

The Ride iQ OTTB restarting series is valuable because it will help you figure out what makes your horse tick. You may not follow the exact program that Aubrey presents, and that is entirely okay. The main goal is to build a partnership with your horse and find the best way of communicating with your horse, both from the ground and from the saddle.

One of my first Advanced horses, Joker’s Win, raced over 50 times and then competed in over 65 recognized eventing competitions through the 4* level. He is now semi-retired and still enjoys flatwork and trail riding. That horse taught me what cross country was supposed to feel like, and he was an amazing and generous partner. He was also restarted by a professional rider, who carefully took him from the track into an established eventing program. That smooth transition from racing to eventing is what allowed him to be successful for so many years in the sport of eventing. Having a well-thought out plan like the one Ride iQ provides in this series with Aubrey Graham is a great first step to making your OTTB’s transition smooth. Enlisting additional help from an experienced trainer will also ensure that you have a wonderful partner with which to enjoy the sport for years to come.

US Equestrian Announces Changes to GR838 Regarding Unethical Treatment of Horses

By on Oct 1, 2024 10:00 am -

US Equestrian has confirmed some additional changes to a forthcoming update to GR838, which deals with the reporting and handling of horse abuse incidents. Until December 1, 2024, the rule is written to cover reports of horse abuse at USEF-licensed or endorsed competitions only. This means that reports of abuse, or in the updated language provided for this rule, “unethical treatment of horses” that occur on private property do not currently fall under the USEF’s jurisdiction.

Related to recent reports of abusive behavior on the part of riders such as Cesar Parra in dressage and, later, Andrew McConnon in eventing, US Equestrian undertook an update to the rule that will expand its abilities to enforce this rule on private property. The update will not, however, apply retroactively, which means that reports of unethical behavior that are filed prior to December 1 will not qualify under this jurisdiction.

“Individuals who engage in unethical treatment of horses—regardless of location—are compromising the integrity of our sport and endangering its viability, sustainability, and public perception at a time when all equestrian sport, including USEF-governed breeds and disciplines, is under increasing scrutiny,” US Equestrian wrote in a press release. “Situations such as those that have come to light recently via social media are unacceptable. US Equestrian has heard your concerns and appreciates the courage it takes to report alleged incidents of cruelty to and abuse of our equine partners. We understand and share your frustration that, in many instances, we could not act on incidents that occurred outside of the competition environment.”

The current revisions to GR838 include replacing “cruelty to and abuse of a horse” with “unethical treatment of a horse” to “more accurately reflect US Equestrian’s role as guardian of both sport and our horses.”

This revision will also see the rule applied anywhere unethical treatment is reported, regardless of whether it occurred at a USEF-licensed or endorsed competition. The rule does not give US Equestrian free rein to enter a person’s property unannounced.

“Rather, we will continue to rely on you to report incidents of unethical treatment of the horse,” the press release states. “Once a report is received, US Equestrian will work diligently to interview witnesses with personal knowledge and authenticate any photographs, videos, or other physical evidence related to the alleged incident. This takes time. All allegations are taken seriously. While we are eager to hold wrongdoers accountable, fairness and the integrity of the process dictate that they have the opportunity to be heard and offer evidence in response.”

“The time has come for the US Equestrian community to strengthen our existing leadership on this issue for the betterment of horses and equestrian sport. This also means that each of us must model exemplary behavior at all times. We believe the revisions to GR838, coupled with the existing process and procedures, protect both our horses and our members.”

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Oct 1, 2024 5:51 am -

A very happy retirement beckons for stalwart five-star horse Alfie’s Clover, who we’ve so enjoyed seeing blazing around the Big Bs with Richard Jones in the irons. I love this post from Richard and his team, which really shows what a broad group effort it is to get a horse to this level. They really do form families around them, and we’re all so lucky to be in their orbit.

Events Opening Today: Full Moon Farm’s Fall HT,  The Event at TerraNova

Events Closing Today: Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event, MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, Ram Tap National H.T., Windermere Run H.T., Willow Draw Charity Show

News & Notes from Around the World:

EN’s classified site, Sport Horse Nation, got a makeover! It’s still the eventers-only online marketplace you know and love, but we’ve added advanced user features and upgraded search functionality to make it easier for riders to connect with the unicorns they’re searching for. EN readers get unlimited free listings until October 10th with promo code “GoEventing” at checkout. Check it out today! [SHN]

Plenty of different fence profiles can be collapsible — and now, trakehners join their ranks. Osberton International in the UK will debut a frangible trakehner at their venue next week in both the two-star and three-star courses. Here’s how they made it work.

Us horsey folks are, well, a touch unique. Or certainly, we all show up smelling quite unique in circumstances we probably oughtn’t to, anyway. I enjoyed this ode to that special brand of horse-person looniness here, and I reckon you’ll get that little ripple of familiarity too.

On that note, your family might not be as keen as you are on your horse habit. So how do you make it something you can all enjoy together? Is that even possible? Here’s some food for thought.

Recent incidents have prompted a change to some key wording in rule GR838 in the USEF rulebook. This is the rule that, specifically, focuses on the abuse and mistreatment of horses, and the rewrite will come into effect in December in a bid to better protect the equines within its remit. You can read the revision here.

Sponsor Corner: Should you be adjusting your horse’s diet for seasonal changes? A horse’s dietary requirements can shift based on season, and there are a few things you can do to assess your current program and make adjustments as appropriate. Learn more with Kentucky Performance Products here.

Watch This: 

Catch up with Morocco’s Noor Slaoui after her history-making turn at the Paris Olympics: