Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: Bouckaert, Southern Pines, SAzEA, & Full Gallop

By on Mar 9, 2026 9:30 am -

This past weekend was certainly exciting, with horse and rider duos competing at all levels – from Starter through 4*! We’re excited to be celebrating our Weekend Winners here in our weekend recap.

Congrats to all on successful outings, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Mary Bess Davis and O’Connor, who scored an impressive 19.3 in the Open Training at Bouckaert!

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International (GA): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Connor (48.6)
CCI 3*S: Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (37.3)
CCI 2*S: Tamra Smith and Solaguayre Cantata (21.5)
CCI 1*S: Olivia Fry and Qabernet VT (33.5)
Advanced: Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19 (51.0)
Intermediate Rider: Cassie Plumb and Excel Star Eye Candy (57.8)
Open Intermediate: William Coleman and Diabolo (41.7)
Open Preliminary: Tamra Smith and Spiro P (30.3)
Preliminary Rider: Donna Miller and Coud’Poker (44.6)
Modified Rider: Tessa Geven and Ameristan (30.3)
Open Modified: Neveah Heltman and Igor F (19.8)
Open Training: Mary Bess Davis and O’Connor (19.3)
Training Rider: Brie Murray and Ranga Tanga Roo (32.0)
Novice Rider A: Kamran Fatehdin and Fernhill São Miguel (20.8)
Novice Rider B: Lila Beshear and Welcome Cash (34.2)
Open Novice: Neveah Heltman and Baelfire (27.5)

Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate CT: Dana Cooke and FE Quattro (31.8)
Open Preliminary: Devin Robel and Gillou (26.5)
Preliminary CT: Marley Stone Bourke and First Obama (27.3)
Preliminary Rider: Brooke Kahl and Nata Montada SCF (39.1)
Modified CT: Stella Sunstein and Quality Collusion (35.7)
Modified Rider: Heidi Grimm Powell and Finntastic! (27.1)
Open Modified: Kaitlin Clasing and Butts Arthur (31.4)
Open Training A: Clarissa Brown and Notorious Quality (29.7)
Open Training B: Alex Martini and Vanir De Miro (22.7)
Training CT: Leah Elgart and O’Gangster (35.7)
Training Rider A: Mary Nofzinger Clare and Golden King (24.4)
Training Rider B: Kristyn Hooper and Azkaban (29.5)
Novice CT: Manuel Diemer and Flight of the Navigator (36.1)
Novice Rider A: Evan Harris and RREF Rubix (29.9)
Novice Rider B: Justine Perrotti and Cyprinus Carpio (30.6)
Open Novice A: Erin Murphy and Cooley Showman (29.7)
Open Novice B: Alex Martini and Fiona (32.1)
Beginner Novice CT: Eliza Klaitman and Tekkenistic (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider J: Logan Erwin and Blue Rock Emerald Princess (31.3)
Beginner Novice Rider S: Phyllis Hardgrove and Cooley Castle (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice A: Ariel Grald and Karino (29.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Devin Robel and Masquerade (29.5)
Starter A: Eugenia Adams and Indian Creek Chocolate Chip (31.3)
Starter CT: Trish Beckham and Millicent (29.1)
Starter J: Violet O’Tuel and Rosie the Riveter (41.1)

SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website][Scoring]

Open Modified: Deirdre Orcelletto and Breeze By (53.9)
Open Training: Anastasia Keyser and Heros Quest (34.3)
Novice Rider: Shawn Ortiz and Patriot’s Justice (28.7)
Open Novice: Laura Bentley and Sir Bugsy Bragh (46.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Lila Crangle and Little Lady Liberty (43.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Rylee Runyon and Nonchalant (35.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Christine Murphy and Made You Look (28.2)
Starter Rider A: Shea Radford and Daleno (29.7)
Starter Rider B: Stephanie Hackett and Lexus (32.9)
Open Starter: James Heckman and Snazzy Ladys Man (35.5)
Pre-Competition: Amy Vinik and Commander of Truth (55.9)

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

Preliminary: Zoe Crawford and Ballyneety J’Adore (49.2)
Modified: Riley Terrell and FGF Savings (36.8)
Training: Kelly Leihy and Indymoodforlovin (31.4)
Novice: Cole William Horn and Dhorn (30.9)
Training/Novice: Lydia McKenzie and Gen Z (30.8)
Beginner Novice: Zoe Crawford and Rise to the Occassion (27.9)
Starter: Marty Riney and Merlin’s Moment (30.9)

Monday News & Notes

By on Mar 9, 2026 1:00 am -

One Big Thing: The Event at TerraNova will be here before you know it!

The Event at TerraNova has become a key fixture on the Florida calendar, attracting riders from all parts of the country to its spring CCI4*-S (plus FEI divisions from CCI1*-S and up, as well as National divisions from Starter through Advanced) en route to various spring Long format or move-up destinations.

TerraNova is also fortunate to have two incoming Olympic officials on its team, those being cross country designer Alec Lochore, who’s been tapped as the Los Angeles designer for 2028, as well as Andrew Temkin, who will serve as the Technical Delegate for eventing at the 2028 Games.

We know some key Kentucky-bound pairs such as New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and Artist as well as Australia’s Sophia Hill and Humble Glory, who will route through TerraNova fresh off their podium finish at the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken last month. You can take a peek at the entries here, and if you’re on the fence about entering, consider this your nudge! Make your organizer a happy camper and get that entry in ahead of tomorrow’s closing date.

Planning on spectating? You can view VIP ticket and hospitality offerings and other information here.

Other CCI4*-S Events also coming up on the U.S. road to Kentucky/Badminton (also US Equestrian Open Qualifiers):

  • Carolina International (Raeford, NC – March 19-22) – Entries closed (View here)
  • Galway Downs International (Temecula, CA – March 26-29) – Entries close March 10
  • Stable View Spring (Aiken, SC – April 3-5) – Entries close March 17
  • Twin Rivers Spring (Paso Robles, CA – April 9-12) – Entries close March 24
  • Ocala International (Ocala, FL – April 16-19) – Entries close March 31
  • Fair Hill International (Elkton, MD – April 17-18) – Entries close March 31

International Events This Past Weekend

Mata do Duque (POR): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream Replays]

Tonimbuk Horse Trials (AUS): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores]

US Events This Past Weekend

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International (GA): [Website] [Scores]

Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website] [Scores]

SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website] [Scores]

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

Other Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Need some more mobility in your life? Who doesn’t? Take a few moments to care for yourself out of the saddle with these mobility exercises from Haybells & Barbells:

Go Eventing

How World #4 Tim Price (NZL) keeps busy before the eventing season starts:

Sunday Links

By on Mar 8, 2026 12:01 am -

The British season is underway this week with loads of top horses and rising stars testing out their 2026 legs at Poplar Park in Hollesley, England. The top division of the event was the three Open Intermediate sections, and we see familiar faces like JL Dublin with Tom McEwen and Cooley Rosalent with Oliver Townend taking home wins to open the year.

You can view full results (and get a veritable preview of who we’ll be seeing marching towards the first CCI5* events of the season) from Poplar Park here.

International Events This Weekend

Mata do Duque (POR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Tonimbuk Horse Trials (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

US Events This Weekend

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

Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

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

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Get up to speed on updates to the FEI whip usage rule:

Go Eventing

Ride around Rocking Horse’s Modified cross country with Sydney Steverson and Superman:

Saturday Links

By on Mar 7, 2026 12:01 am -

Another Olympics wrapped up last month, and while there may not have been any horses competing this time (though hear me out: Olympic sjijoring), there are still so many takeaways for anyone who does or aspires to do anything at a high performance level. There are also many insights to be taken away from the business side of the Olympics — the numbers and data that determine the engagement success of each sport, and of the broadcast itself.

Our friends at Equerry / Co have put together a quick synopsis of the lessons the horse industry can glean from the Milan Olympics. View the full carousel here and read more insights from Equerry / Co here.

International Events This Weekend

Mata do Duque (POR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Tonimbuk Horse Trials (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

US Events This Weekend

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

Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

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

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

If you ride an ex-racehorse, Olympic gold medalist has some advice that could be useful for you! Learn more about why she teaches current racehorses to use poles to up their game, and the lessons can apply to your Thoroughbred, too:

Go Eventing

Use #goeventing on your publicly-viewable social media posts and we might feature your post right here!

Check out this cool, inviting “arena eventing” course set up for this weekend at Fox Run Farm Geneseo (New York)! Have fun, everyone!

2026 Irish Eventing Squad Structure Announced

By on Mar 6, 2026 2:09 pm -

Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Horse Sport Ireland is pleased to confirm the Irish Eventing High Performance squad structure for the 2026 season.

The 2026 programme will operate across the Senior High Performance Squad, High Performance Development Squad, High Performance Recognition Squad and Under-25 Squad, all of which have been selected following a consultation and review process.

The Senior High Performance Squad:

The High Performance Development Squad:

The High Performance Recognition Squad:

The U25 Squad:

The squads reflect the depth of talent and performance potential within Irish eventing and provide a clear future pathway for athletes and horses progressing towards championships and senior Nations Cup objectives.

Irish combinations selected within the 2026 programme will take part in international competitions, including the FEI Eventing Nations Cup and the upcoming FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 this August.

In addition, Ireland’s Under-25 squad will compete at the inaugural FEI Eventing Under-25 World Championships, which will be hosted in Millstreet this summer, while many of the Under-25 athletes will also be targeting selection as Young Riders for the European Championships.

The 2026 programme will focus on performance development, championship preparation and the continued progression of emerging talent through the national pathway, building on Ireland’s consistent medal-winning performances in recent years from pony level through to senior teams.

The full selection policy for Ireland can be found here.

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Mar 6, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Bouckaert marks the first US Equestrian Open qualifier of 2026

After two initial 4*-S qualifiers in the fall of 2025, the Bouckaert Equestrian HT International CCI4*-S this weekend will mark the first 2026 qualifier for the second year of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing.

Reigning Bouckaert 4*-S winner and current Open leader Lucienne Bellissimo — whose official nationality change was finalized in late 2025 and now flies the US flag — returns again to the 4*-S, this time with Horse Scout Eventing’s Kitsch Couture HPK. In addition to her October win, Lucienne also graced the podium for Bouckaert’s 4*-S in March 2025, where she and Dyri took 2nd place to Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen — another returning combination contesting this weekend. Other interesting entries include two of Boyd Martin’s newest additions: Kolbeinn and Fetiche des Rouges, both of whom will see their first cross-country runs at the 4* level this weekend

Currently, Bouckaert International’s 4*-S entries are squeaking right under the point qualification threshold with 24 starters, meaning the most Series Leaderboard Points a first-place finish can earn a rider at this event will be 40 points, with second place earning 35, third place earning 30, and so on. The current Top 5 of the Series Leaderboard are Lucienne Bellissimo (80 points), Will Coleman (60), Waylon Roberts (55), Kate Sand (35), and Buck Davidson Jr. (30); — and with Lucienne, Waylon, and Buck all gracing the Bouckaert 4*-S entry list, we’re likely to see a shuffle of placements after this weekend.

You can find all applicable links below under US Events This Weekend — and as always, we will have a full competition report on Monday to recap all the happenings from the event. Watch this space, and best of luck to all our Open riders!

[Find the full Bouckaert 4*-S US Equestrian Open Fan Guide here]

Full Calendar for the 2026 US Equestrian Open.

International Events This Weekend

Mata do Duque (POR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Tonimbuk Horse Trials (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

US Events This Weekend

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

Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

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

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

If you’re planning to attend or compete at the Stable View Spring International and HT, make sure to sign up for their incredible VIP Experience!

Starting with a portable Gourmet Picnic Lunch from the Stable View Bistro featuring Stable View’s signature Charcuterie Board. Gourmet items may include Antipasto Skewers, Southern Pickled Shrimp, Crab Dip Stuffed Peppadew Peppers, and a Selection of Dessert Bites. Cool off with a cold beverage from a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options on site. Each guest also receives Stable View swag to take home.

Watch some of the top international eventers compete in the CCI1*, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions in addition to national levels from Beginner Novice through Advanced. Cheer on our competitors!

  • Vendor Row is full of local and national vendors featuring equestrian and non-equestrians’ gifts and goods.
  • End the day with friends at the Graze & Gaze happy hour from 5pm-7pm! The Graze & Gaze is hosted downstairs in the Pavilion at Ollie’s Pub. Complimentary food and beverages (beer, wine, non-alcoholic options) for VIP guests, competitors, and families.

VIP Luncheon tickets are $75 per person are available — scan or click the QR code below to treat yourself!

Training Tip of the Day

A quick MacGyver barn hack tip for this week: how to repair a torn blanket with only a hair dryer, Gorilla tape, and scissors!

Go Eventing

Sending healing vibes and wishes for a smooth recovery to eventer Chris Talley after a radical L4/L5 disk replacement surgery:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chris Talley (@c_talley75)

Thursday News & Notes

By on Mar 5, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Summer Footing Academy Registration Open

The League of Agricultural and Equine Centers (the League) is proud to announce that registration is now open for its highly anticipated Summer Footing Academy featuring its FA101: An Introduction to Footing hosted at the renowned Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, TX on May 12-13, 2026.

The Intro to Footing course offers a foundational yet in-depth introduction to footing science and arena surface management. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the critical components that influence arena performance, safety, and longevity. By combining scientific principles with real-world application, the Footing Academy empowers participants to create and preserve champion-grade arena footing — enhancing both equine safety and competitive performance.

The program is ideal for:

  • Facility directors and operators
  • Event managers and promoters
  • Administrators and coordinators
  • Maintenance and ground teams
  • Young professionals seeking to expand their expertise

Course Topics:

  • Soil composition and structure fundamentals
  • Essential footing materials and blends
  • Environmental and usage variables that impact performance
  • Moisture management and control systems
  • Conditioning techniques for consistency and safety
  • Proper maintenance protocols to preserve optimal footing

Whether managing a multi-discipline agricultural complex or hosting elite equestrian events, the League’s Footing Academy provides the knowledge base necessary to elevate arena standards and long-term sustainability. [Click here to register — space may be limited and a League Membership is required prior to registration]

Learn more about the League of Agricultural & Equine Centers here, along with the premier education, certification, and collaboration opportunities available through their membership.

International Events This Weekend

Mata do Duque (POR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Tonimbuk Horse Trials (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

US Events This Weekend

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

Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Lainey Ashker covers how to use ground lines to finesse your horse’s form over fences and help him read his distances:

Go Eventing

Ride along with Alan Johns as he asks Laura Collett the real hard-hitting questions:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alan Johns (@alanjohnsy)

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Mar 4, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Daffodil Dressage Leg Up Scholarship

Strides for Equality Equestrians is very proud to partner with Daffodil Dressage to provide an entry to the 2026 Daffodil Dressage Schooling Show at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Daffodil Dressage Leg Up Scholarship recipient will receive funded entry for up to three classes of choice, plus any show entry fees, at the March 28 show. Applications to this inaugural Daffodil Dressage Leg Up Scholarship are due this Sunday, March 8. The Scholarship recipient will be notified no later than Friday, March 13 to allow time to plan for the show and travel.

[Click here to see the Daffodil Dressage omnibus]

Applicant Requirements:

  • All ages are welcome to apply.
  • Riders must have access to a horse for entry.
  • This Leg Up Scholarship covers entry fee expenses only. Travel and any other associated expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient.
  • Applicants must be willing to share their experience as part of the show in blogs, social & print media.
  • Applicants must be invested in increasing access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.

International Events This Weekend

Mata do Duque (POR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Tonimbuk Horse Trials (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

US Events This Weekend

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Southern Pines HT I (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

SAzEA Spring HT I (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

In Episode 101 of the Practical Horseman Podcast, James Alliston discusses one of his favorite training exercises:

“I’ll chuck a few poles down in the arena set on bounce distances. It sounds very, very basic and easy, but the foundations of jumping and riding are coming in balance, having the horse where you can place him well at the jump and he’s rideable. And I think that translates to whatever level you’re doing, whether the horse is just learning how to jump or the horse is a five-star horse. Can you present the horse to a jump in a good way, in balance and at a speed appropriate for them to negotiate it? 

“You don’t need to jump mountains to practice something simple as cantering a ground-pole exercise. You can really train your riding to be accurate and also train the horses to listen to you and be ridable. I normally have some poles on the ground in the ring anyway, and I’ll just pop through those quite a lot on all the horses.”

James Alliston uses a simple bounce exercise with ground poles to improve his accuracy and ensure his horses are on the aids and adjustable. Diagram courtesy of Practical Horseman.

[Read more about the episode here]

Go Eventing

If you’ve never volunteered before, now is the time — watch how simple jump judging is and get ready to head out there yourself at your next local competition!

Adelaide Set for Epic Equestrian Showdown at 2026 Oceania Championships

By on Mar 3, 2026 9:00 am -

Jess Somerfield and Finch Farm Carpenteria compete at Adelaide in 2025. Photo by Atalya Boytner.

The Adelaide Park Lands will provide the perfect backdrop for the upcoming and prestigious Adelaide Equestrian Festival from April 16-19, which will also play host to the Oceania Championships.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is the only CCI5* in the Southern Hemisphere, representing one of seven such events around the world. In a huge win for the State, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival was selected as the Oceania Championships host for 2026 and 2029. South Australia last hosted the event in 2009.

The Oceania Championships will be contested across two divisions: the CCI3*-L for Under 25 competitors and the CCI4*-S for Senior competitors. Athletes selected to the CCI4*-S squad will have demonstrated the ability to support ongoing development of the Australian Eventing Team as the nation looks ahead to this summer’s World Championships at Aachen. This will also be the first time the Under 25 division will be hosted at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival.

Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the 2026 program is set to deliver what is undoubtably the most expansive offering to date as the Festival continues to up the stakes as Australia’s premium equine event.

“As the ‘Festival State’ South Australia continues to dial up the action year on year with access to the very best music, culture, food and sporting events,” Greg said. “The Adelaide Equestrian Festival continues to provide an all-in, family friendly event that not only showcases the finest Equestrian athletes but also blends hospitality, entertainment and education within the pristine surrounds of the Adelaide Park Lands.”

“You just don’t get this type of event anywhere in the world – and I can say that, because it’s true. Horses and Riders performing Dressage, Cross Country and Show Jumping in the heart of the Adelaide CBD… it is truly one of a kind,” he continued.

The world-class CCI5*-L course, designed by renowned Mike Etherington-Smith, is expected to challenge more than 20 elite riders from across Australia and New Zealand while the Oceania Championship divisions will see Australians Clayton Fredericks take over the CCI4*-S course design and Mick Pineo the CCI3*-L.

And there’s more to this big weekend of equestrian sport than horses only. The Festival that accompanies this competition will feature some special acts including:

Golden Guitar–winning musician and horseman Tom Curtain will perform across three days. Showcasing his talents both on horseback and with a guitar in hand, Tom’s performances invite festivalgoers, young and old, to get involved and be part of the action.

On Saturday afternoon, following the thrill of cross country, spectators will be treated to a full performance of the award-winning Katherine Outback Experience, with special musical guests joining Tom Curtain in Victoria Park.

There is something for everyone at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival including family picnic hampers or the choice to pack your bag for the day, interactive free kid’s activities, informative education learning seminars, ticketed marquee passes for premium catered experiences, High Tea, live music and more.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Director Kirsty Withers said the event was the perfect School Holiday outing.

“The Festival is truly accessible for everyone,” she said. “Thursday presents a great opportunity for families with free General Admission, while children under five can attend free across all four days. We are incredibly proud to also offer free entry for kids under 12 on our benchmark Cross Country Day, Saturday 18 April — making it a truly budget-friendly option for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors and witness jaw-dropping equestrian action just metres away.”

“Cross country day on Saturday never disappoints,” Kirsty continued. “This wildly energetic day sees families and equine enthusiasts spread across the Adelaide Park Lands, enjoying great food and drink, browsing vibrant pop-up markets and soaking up the unforgettable sights and sounds of horses galloping past — a thrilling display of both grace and power – and this year a perfect end to the big day will be watching Tom Curtain perform.”

More than 30,000 spectators are expected at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival with travellers from the Eastern Seaboard, New Zealand and across the State.

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said “South Australia continues to be recognised as the destination of choice when it comes to hosting elite sporting events, such as the Oceania Championships in 2026 and 2029.”

“The more than 30,000 spectators expected to attend the Adelaide Equestrian Festival 2026 will experience why South Australia is the nation’s official Best Event State,” Zoe continued. “The program boasts the highest calibre of equine competition, while offering immersive experiences that showcase our premium produce and beauty of our green city. I encourage those travelling to our State to extend their stay and discover the simple pleasures our tourism regions have to offer, from our wine regions bursting with Australia’s best food and drink to our stunning coastlines.”

The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:

April 16: FREE General Admission. Retail, food, drink, world-class Eventing – it’s all happening for the first day of Dressage. A great way to explore the event with family and friends if you’ve never been before – you’ll be sure to come back for more next year!

April 17: Spectators get a front row seat for the gentle, skilled and highly competitive display of Dressage thanks to Pryde’s Easifeed. Soak in all the action from the iconic Victoria Grand Stand and enjoy the picturesque Park Lands.

April 18: Sponsored by RB Sellars, this event is bound to have your heart racing! The sights and sounds are horses and their riders gallop across the Park Lands makes for a highly exhilarating day out! The atmosphere is abuzz with music, markets, hospitality, kids’ activities and more!

April 19: This is the last discipline on display – who will take to the podium following the heart stopping ATCO Show Jumping Day?

The 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival is supported by the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival 2026 tickets can be purchased here.

[Read: Atalya Boytner’s experience at Adelaide in 2025]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Mar 3, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: A new competitive European tour worth €10,000 for CCI1*-CCI3* athletes at Strzegom

The 2026 season will introduce a new dimension of sporting competition at the hippodrome in Strzegom. For the first time, six international events in the Strzegom eventing calendar will form a unified series with an overall ranking and a total prize fund of €10,000. The newly introduced scoring system rewards consistency, peak performance at key moments of the season, and results achieved in the highest competition levels.

The overall classification is based on a rider’s four best results, achieved across a minimum of three different events within the series. The title will therefore be contested by those who can maintain top sporting form throughout the entire season in Strzegom. Results from the following classes will count toward the ranking: CCI3*L, CCI3*S, CCI2*L, CCI2*S, CCI1*Intro. Points are awarded exclusively to the top-performing riders — up to a maximum of 25% of starters in each class.

Photo by Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Eventing

The DCU Strzegom Tour winner will be the rider with the highest total number of points. Two of the six legs will be valued at a 1.5x multiplier to aid in strategic use of the tour legs as well as increase chances that the series is not decided until the final competition in October.

It’s a concept that ties multiple events together and provides riders competing below the top levels a chance to implement strategy and compete for some valuable cash.

[Learn more about the DCU Strzegom Tour]

US Events Opening Today

Ocala International 1-2-3*-L/4*-S (FL); Fair Hill International April H.T. (MD); Sporting Days Farm April H.T. IV (SC); River Glen Spring H.T. (TN); Redefined Equestrian H.T. (CO)

US Events Closing Today

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (NC); March Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL); Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX); Full Gallop Farm March H.T. (SC)

Other Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

With the competition season kicking off and many barns traveling back up north after spending the winter down south, we thought it was a good time to review some tips to keep your horse healthy and happy while on the road.

Discover some additional travel tips from Kentucky Performance Products here.

Training Tip of the Day

Your horse’s fitness matters for more than just making the time on cross country or jumping clear on Sundays. Fitness contributes to soundness and longevity, and there is a correct, sustainable way to build it. You can find three helpful tips on building fitness correctly, courtesy of Ride iQ and Dr. Erica Lacher DVM in the caption of the video below:

Go Eventing

Rising star Meg Pellegrini sits down with Jon Holling and Rick Wallace in the latest episode of The Jon and Rick Show: