Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Dec 26, 2025 12:01 am -

How did you spend your holiday week? It’s an annual tradition to set up the volleyball net inside the indoor arena at Phillip Dutton’s True Prospect Farm. Our biggest question, honestly, is just how good is Phillip at spiking the ball?

News & Reading

A new short film is coming to a screen near you soon featuring up and coming jumping star Skylar Wireman. Entitled “Jumpers” the documentary directed by Naomi Sedgewick is in its final stages (and is fundraising for support, which you can learn more about here). Ahead of its debut, catch up with Skylar, who’s stepped up in a big way in her riding career of late, here.

It’s a season of giving, and in her latest column for Horse Nation, Thoroughbred specialist Aubrey Graham muses on the idea of second chances and horses in need. You won’t want to miss her thoughts here.

Sam Ecroyd should be a name on your list of ones to watch for 2026. The British rider recently earned a first 5* completion, but the personal win came after years of struggle that followed a horrific injury that left him with a brain bleed and 57 fractures in his skull. Now, he’s aiming for Badminton in the spring. Follow along with his inspiring journey here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Don’t forget: this year will be an extra-special one for USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic riders, who will have their own Championship at Stable View May 15-17. The Championship has grown in stature and popularity year over year, and entry numbers and festivities now warrant a standalone event. You can learn more about the program and how to qualify for Championships here.

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Holiday wishes from the Martin family:

Christmas Day Links

By on Dec 25, 2025 12:01 am -

The best horses get their likenesses put onto Christmas ornaments! We love this one from Lindsay Traisnel’s tree, featuring her 5* partner Bacyrouge or “Dreamy”.

We’re wishing all of Eventing Nation a very merry Christmas, if you’re the type to celebrate. We hope your day is full of love and warmth — and even if the holiday season is difficult (as it is for so, so many of us), know you’re not alone.

Our team is taking some much-needed respite over this holiday season, so our platforms will be quieter than typical through the New Year. We hope you also get the opportunity to take some time for yourself!

Links & Reading

The Best Christmas Gift of All: The Love Of A Horse

Guided by Good Horsemen: Mohamed Mostafa’s Eventing Story

Leslie Law and Lesley Grant-Law: Same Names, Same Love for Eventing

How to Avoid Over-Preparing Before a Show

Video Break

A classic hit: Reiner Klimke’s Dressage in Detail:

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: Eventing Edition

By on Dec 24, 2025 10:00 am -

Time to revisit another EN Christmas favorite! Donner, Lynn Symansky’s stuff-of-legends OTTB and Team USA veteran, was well-known as being the closest thing our sport has to a magic flying reindeer. Donner may be retired these days, and we may have originally published this in 2014, but it’s a holiday tradition to dust it off each December 24! Here we go …

Is that Donner the Reindeer? Read on to find out!

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the farm

not an event horse was stirring in Lynn Symansky’s barn.

All the bridles were hung on their racks with care

horses wondering, “We’re getting tomorrow off, right? That only seems fair.”

Donner was nestled all snug in his stall

dreaming of four-stars and his scheme to conquer them all

and maybe, just maybe, if all goes according to plan

on an Olympic podium in Rio Tokyo his mom could stand

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter

Donner sprang up from the ground to see what was the matter.

The barn lights clicked on and Donner peered out his stall

to see a gang of reindeer marching down the hall.

“Yeah, that’s him,” said the one with the glowing red nose.

“Hey Donner!” he exclaimed, and Donner’s heart froze.

“There’s been a mistake!” Donner neighed in desperate plea.

“I’ve heard of the guy you’re looking for — it’s not me!”

But Rudolph, he wouldn’t take no for an answer

nor would Vixen, Cupid, Blitzen, Dasher or Dancer.

Donner followed them outside, his head hung low.

“Mom’s gonna kill me,” he sighed as he walked through the snow.

But then, to his surprise, what did he spot?

A familiar face among Rudolph’s flock!

“Courageous Comet, is that you, dude?” Donner neighed

to a familiar looking, confused-faced gray.

Comet said, “Yeah man, I guess they needed a sub …

a couple of the reindeer have abscesses or something, welcome to the club.”

They stood motionless as Santa hooked them onto the sled

staring up at the sky with a terrible dread.

But Santa, he knew how to make this crowd fly:

“3, 2, 1 … Have a great ride!”

They took off galloping and at the moment when Santa clucked

They gathered their courage, rocked back on their haunches and jumped.

“Hey,” Donner said, “this almost feels like a dream”

Comet snorted: “I guess you could say we made the team!”

For hours they ran and jumped with no regrets

and it made them thankful for all those long trot sets.

At the end of the night Santa dropped them back at the farm

just before the sound of Lynn and Becky’s alarms.

They dozed off, happy memories filling their heads …

saving Christmas was (almost) as fun as country country at WEG!

Merry Christmas and Go Eventing!

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Dec 24, 2025 12:01 am -

Here’s another fun “guess who” for your Christmas Eve! Who do you think is pictured in this throwback posted by MARS Badminton Horse Trials’ social media team? Luckily, you don’t have to go too far to find out: tap the post above to view it on Instagram and see the big reveal!

News & Reading

Due to low registrations, next month’s USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Symposium has been canceled. The Symposium was to be held in Ocala in mid-January, but now the ECP committee will instead look ahead to the 2027 educational calendar.

The concept of “feel” is a term we’re all familiar with — but how well do we actually understand it? Beneath the adage of “feel can’t be taught, only acquired” lie some foundational skills that help a rider develop. Read some additional tips from pro show jumper Ronny Reimer here.

Holiday schedule changes can be stressful for horse owners and barn managers alike. But does this shift in routine affect your horse? Survey says: indeed it does. Of course, it’s relatively common sense that horses, who thrive on routine, would get thrown off by a shift. But what’s behind this? Read more over on Horse Nation here.

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Best holiday wishes from the Defender Burghley podium!

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Dec 23, 2025 12:01 am -

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Later this week, we’ll kick off a multi-part mini series on our social media platforms dedicated to the #HeartHorse. Brought to you with support from our friends at Kentucky Performance Products, our Heart Horse spotlight series will feature several familiar faces and special horses that have kept us inspired this year and beyond.

We plan to continue featuring Heart Horses here on EN all through 2026, and we’d love to feature yours! We’re officially opening reader submissions soon, many of which will be selected by our team and published here on EN in 2026. Stay tuned for more information on how to submit your Heart Horse story, coming your way soon!

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

Ocala Winter I (FL); Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (GA)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL)

News & Reading

It’s that time of year again! The 2025-2026 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is next week. This year the EA21 National Camp will welcome 12 exciting young athletes to Ocala, Florida, to participate in a prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O’Connor. This year’s camp takes place Dec. 30, 2025 through Jan. 3, 2026, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in-the-saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate. Meet this year’s participants and learn more about EA21 here.

Five coaches were awarded the prestigious Level 4 Coaching Certification by British Equestrian. The recipients of the status were honored in a ceremony at the London Horse Show. Level 4 is the highest certification level offered via British Equestrian, which lays out strict coaching qualifications that must be obtained at Levels 1 through 3. Level 3 is considered a senior level, but Level 4 is a custom program that really hones in on the coaches’ skills and allows them to develop a deeper understanding that will prepare them for coaching at the highest performance levels of their chosen discipline. Read more on the new Level 4 coaches and the certification program here.

A great repost from The Horse Magazine contains some reminders from Ingrid Klimke on the importance and value of cavaletti work. No matter what your focus is this off-season, cavaletti can likely help. The benefits include greater strength and mobility for your horse, better coordination, responsiveness to aids and so much more. Read the full tip list from Ingrid here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Dehydration can be as much of a problem in winter as it is in the summer. Inadequate water intake increases the risk of your horse developing impaction colic.

Summer Games Electrolyte is formulated to support electrolyte replacement and keep horses drinking no matter the season.

Learn more about Elevate from Kentucky Performance Products here.

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10 tips from Carl Hester that will help your riding:

Isabelle Bosley and Conner Receive the USET Foundation’s 2026 Connaught Grant in Memory of R. Bruce Duchossois

By on Dec 22, 2025 9:00 am -

USEA Photo

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation awarded Isabelle Bosley and Conner, Karen Martin’s eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Casiro 3 x Concetto, the 2026 Connaught Grant in Memory of R. Bruce Duchossois at the United States Eventing Association (USEA) year-end awards dinner in New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 14, 2025.

Each year, the USET Foundation awards up to $25,000 to a developing horse seen as a potential future candidate to represent the United States eventing team at the international level. The grant was established and is funded by Caroline Moran in memory of her dear friend, the late R. Bruce Duchossois, who was dedicated to encouraging the development of event horses in the U.S. The grant is named after Connaught, a horse owned by Duchossois and ridden by Phillip Dutton — Bosley’s mentor — at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Conner and Bosley had a remarkable season in 2025. After winning the CCI2*-S at Stable View, South Carolina, in April, the 28-year-old rider stepped Conner up to the three-star level later that month and finished second in their debut CCI3*-S at Fair Hill International, Maryland.

In June, they recorded their first win at the new level, leading the CCI3*-S at Adamstown, Maryland, on 37.3 penalties. In October, the duo led the CCI3*-L at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill from start to finish, completing on their impressive dressage score of 24.8 penalties. They recorded no jumping faults in the show jumping phase in any of their five international starts in 2025. They have won four of their last six events — an incredible achievement.

“I had thought that maybe Conner had a chance at getting this grant because he’s had a pretty decent year,” said Bosley. “I went to the USEA gala because he was intermediate horse of the year, but when it was announced that we had also been awarded the USET Foundation’s Connaught Grant, it was still a surprise.

“It’s such nice recognition for him and for Karen, his owner, who has been so supportive. She has allowed me to take time and not put pressure on the horse, so I am particularly honored to receive this grant. It means a lot to have this special horse recognized in this way,” she continued. “We’ve always thought that Conner is pretty cool, and to have that acknowledged by other people is very special.

“There are so many expenses involved with eventing every year, and it’s a constant battle to keep up, be competitive, and do all the things everyone else is doing,” she continued. “It’s so hard when you are limited by financial constraints, so to have a grant like this that removes some of those limitations makes a huge difference.”

“We are delighted to award Isabelle Bosley and her talented horse, Conner, the 2026 Connaught Grant in Memory of R. Bruce Duchossois,” said USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie B. Jenkins. “Supporting up-and-coming horse-and-athlete combinations is essential to building the future of our sport, and this grant reflects our commitment to helping promising partnerships gain the experience, confidence, and resources they need along the US Equestrian (USEF) Eventing High Performance Pathway to top-level competition. Isabelle and Conner exemplify the dedication, potential, and horsemanship this grant was created to encourage, and we are proud to support them as they pursue their goals on the national and international stage.”

Isabelle Bosley and Conner won the MARS Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L on their dressage score of 24.8 penalties.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

Although Conner only stepped up to the intermediate level in 2025, Bosley has long felt that he encapsulates all the qualities of an elite event horse capable of excelling in all three disciplines.

She plans to use the Connaught Grant for competitions, fees, and training with Conner. She trains regularly with two-time U.S. Olympic eventing gold medalist Phillip Dutton in West Grove, Pennsylvania, and in Wellington, Florida, in the winter. She takes jumping lessons with U.S. jumping Olympian Lauren Hough, as well as sessions with other trainers including Bettina Hoy and Brett Parberry.

Bosley noted that the financial pressures on riders and owners with competition horses are immense, and the pathway to the top is rarely linear. However, she has her sights set high with Conner.

“I certainly have big goals with him,” she revealed. “The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games could be a possibility, but if not, then the Games after that. I’d also love to get on other U.S. teams. The sky is the limit with him and, under Phillip, we’re in the best place to get there. Coupled with this grant to help support us, it’s all so exciting. Even though I have all these big goals, I’m still mindful to put Conner first every day. Sometimes the slower route gets you there quicker. Hopefully, we will move up to the advanced level this year, and then maybe set some overseas goals after that.

“Grants like this are what keep us riders going and help shape our careers,” concluded Bosley. “This support really allows us to keep pushing forward, meeting our goals, and staying at the top of sport. It makes all the difference, and I’m so grateful to the USET Foundation for this opportunity.”

Previous Connaught Grant Recipients:

2025 Sharon White and Jaguars Duende
2024 Boyd Martin and Commando 3
2023 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake
2022 Will Coleman and Chin Tonic
2021 Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way
2020 Liz Halliday and Cooley Moonshine
2019 Alexander O’Neal and Fury H
2018 Matt Brown and Big Berry
2017 Emilee Libby and Jakobi
2016 Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois
2015 Heather Morris and Charlie Tango

For additional information or to support the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian athletes, visit https://www.uset.org/donate/.

Monday News & Notes

By on Dec 22, 2025 12:01 am -

Photo via Emily Holmes.

The best examples come from the top. This weekend at the Florida Horse Park, several pro riders including Joe Meyer, Buck Davidson and Zach Brandt lended their time to volunteer out on cross country as jump judges. Volunteers can be hard to come by in our sport, and it’s always nice to see the busiest riders take time out of their days. Of course, it’s a balancing act when you’re competing or coaching, but do know that your event organizer appreciates every minute of time you’re willing to give!

To check out volunteering opportunities near you and register for the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program, click here.

News & Reading

If you find yourself in the midst of a veterinary emergency with your horse, the worst time can often be the waiting period until the vet arrives. What can you do for your horse in that time? Bookmark this in the event it ever comes in handy, because there are things you can do to both help your vet be able to step right in and ensure your horse is as comfortable as possible. Read more here.

Beloved author Marguerite Henry isn’t only known for her creative writing skills. She also, tangentially, lent a hand to solve a decades-old missing horse saga, writes Chronicle of the Horse blogger and author Lettie Teague. Dive into this can’t-miss story here.

What’s the latest en route to the 2026 MARS Badminton Horse Trials? Find out in the latest Director’s Blog from Jane Tuckwell here.

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Today’s eventing top riders talk about their own inspirations:

Sunday Links

By on Dec 21, 2025 12:01 am -

Facebook memories exposing one of my greatest saves – staying on was clearly optional, but I chose yes 😅💦 #nopicturesonthescoreboard #saveoftheday

Posted by Hayley Frielick on Friday, December 19, 2025

Our latest save of the day is a throwback from stickable 5* rider Hayley Frielick, who shared a photo series from Britt Grovenor Photography taken in 2021 when Hayley was still competing in Australia and New Zealand. Major props for pulling off the save! Be sure to click through to Facebook to view the series in its hilarious entirety.

Links & Reading

Athlete Manager: Adam Short’s Journey to Becoming JL Dublin’s Groom

Jan Cottam Re-elected as British Eventing Board Director

Meet the 18.2hh six-bar superstar who’s like an ‘overgrown labrador’ and likes wearing his nose net at all times

Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by Kentucky Performance Products: Internet Karens and Behind the Vertical

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Hang on tight! Ride between the ears at the Shetland Pony Grand National held at the London International Horse Show:

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Dec 20, 2025 12:01 am -

This year’s LeMieux Puissance at the London International Horse Show was one for the ages as 20-year-old Rachel Proudley and Easy Boy de Laubry Z jumped to their second consecutive title as the sole pair to jump clear all the way through. The wall was ultimately set to 2.21 meters (7’3″). The world record for Puissance is held by Franke Sloothaak and Optiebeurs Golo, who jumped 2.4 meters (7’10”) in 1991.

Links & Reading

The Lives of Canadian Lesson Horses

Horse & Country Extends Streaming Partnership with Belsay International Horse Trials for 2026 to 2028

The YEH Yearbook: Class of 2020

Slow Down to Jump Better: How Trot Jumps Improve Balance, Rhythm and Timing

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

What does Allison Springer do to improve continually? World Equestrian Dug into the mindset that makes a successful 5* competitor (and recipient of opportunities like the Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant — watch it and learn in the video above!

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Lottie Fry and Glamourdale dazzle in London:

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Dec 19, 2025 12:01 am -

Now is your chance to help Canada’s efforts to build towards the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028: it’s the return of Gaining Ground: Canadian Eventing’s Road to #LA2028! The pathway to LA leads through Aachen, Germany this summer for FEI Eventing World Championships, then through Lima, Peru in 2027 at the Pan American Games, and the team needs assistance to make their goals a reality.

The Canadian team’s second winter gala fundraising event is coming up in Ocala, FL on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Club Adena for the eventing Red & White. There will be silent & live auctions, dinner & dancing available.

VIP Tables of 8 are $2,000, or you can purchase an individual ticket for $200. Tickets are on sale here.

If you can’t attend in person, you might consider joining the $500 Club instead. All the details on this can be found here.

To donate to the silent or live auction, or to become a sponsor for the evening please reach out to Sue Bundy at [email protected] or +1-416-358-6461.

News & Reading

China is making moves on the world stage and making history in the process. This year, China earned its 25th international eventing win, dating back to 2008. This number represents the efforts of many riders and supporters, as there are few riders competing for China (Alex Hua Tian would be the most household-familiar name, and it was his win back in August that earned his country that 25th notch). The athletes competing today do so thanks to the groundwork laid by those who came before. Take a dive into the history of eventing in China en route to this milestone here.

Mustang Champions, the Austin-based nonprofit organization behind the Mustang Classic competition has been notified by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that additional funding will not be provided to their agreement to support the continuation of previously scheduled events and programs. As a result, the 2026 Mustang Classic has been canceled after just two years of competitions held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Event riders such as Elisa Wallace participated in the Mustang Classic (Elisa took home the title in the event’s inaugural year, 2024). You can read more on this development here.

The USEA Board of Governors met twice during last week’s Annual Meeting and Convention, and a recap of the topics covered is now available for your reading. The BOG covered things such as rule changes, starter numbers, Convention attendance and others. Read a full recap here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

From the latest News from the Crew at Stable View:

The inaugural Stable View Eventing Academy had $20,000 in prizes. Prize sponsors included VTO Saddlery, Hitch & Tow Trailer Sales, Aiken Pest Control, Cowgirl Up With Green, Equine Massage Therapy & Book by local author, SC Shavings, GGT Footing, Ahh Sunshine, Dover Saddlery, Engineered Equine Performance, Equine Network, Christine Quinn Photography, Hallway Feeds, and GriffinBrook.

In the Beginner Novice Championship Division, Jessica Schultz and HHS Ruby Tuesday won on their dressage score of 25.9. In the Sprouts Championship Division Kaitlyn Hartsock and Bellatrix were first on a 37. In the Starter Division Charla Liford and Russell won on a 25.7. In the Training Championship Kate Brown and Summer Rain took top honors on a 29.3. In the Novice Division Katie Cummings and Nature’s Contessa won a 26.1.

Alexa Duncan competed in the Starter Championship and placed sixth with her horse, True North. She shared, “Stable View did a great job during the championship at celebrating the work that horses and riders put in all year at their eventing academy’s from great prizes to beautiful courses.” Sydney Shinn competed in the Training Championship division with HSH Crypto. She said, “It is a friendly and competitive environment for horse and rider.”

There is time to qualify for the 2026 Eventing Academy Championship. Compete in at least six of the shows this season with the same horse at the same level or finish first-sixth place at one show. Next year is sure to be even better with more prizes on the table and more competition.

Click here to learn more about the Stable View Eventing Academy and mark the dates for 2026’s events.

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Fresh off her keynote address at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Natalie Hummel stopped by the Ride iQ studio to provide some advice on mastering your mindset for this coming year (and beyond):