Classic Eventing Nation

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Dec 13, 2025 12:01 am -

It’s time to take a look back at some of the most creative and imaginative cross country fences in 2025! CrossCountryApp provides an annual round-up of the best jumps from all over the world, including the Southern Hemisphere, Europe and beyond. What is your favorite from this year? You can view the full rundown here.

U.S. Events This Week

None! But there is the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, which kicks off tomorrow. You can follow along and find more information here.

Links & Reading

Turn Down For What? Freestyle Music Livestream Licensing Presents A New Challenge

Jumping Lessons: Season’s End is Time to Take Stock

13 ways to save money on horse costs without compromising on care

When “Everyone Knew”: The Horse World’s Culture of Silence

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Why do riders like Buck Davidson trust in World Equestrian Brands? Because they know that World Equestrian Brands only stocks the best quality and highest-reputed brands for every horse from head to toe. From ergonomic-fitting bridles supplied by Vespucci to custom-fitted saddles from brands like Amergio and Equipe, to leg protection and therapy devices from Equilibrium, you can trust World Equestrian Brands to have your horse’s best interest at heart. Click here to shop and stock up for the new season.

Video Break

Lauren Nicholson stops by the latest episode of The Jon and Rick Show:

Perspective: The Evidence Issue

By on Dec 12, 2025 11:25 am -

In the wake of the Andrew McConnon horse abuse case decision and other issues facing our sport, the EN team has penned some opinion pieces to share with our readers. You can read our full breakdown of the McConnon case here.

My horse, Ronnie, who I work to advocate for and do right by each day. Photo by Something From The Hart, used with permission from Sabre Holistics.

Having been paying attention to the fallout from the Andrew McConnon case, one thing that’s stood out for me in the social media comments is the anger that this is happening in a sport that we love – to a sport that we love. That eventing – an equestrian discipline that prides itself on the partnership between horse and rider – is fallible to the worst side of horse sport is so very disappointing, and so very sad.

There are obviously many thoughts, opinions and emotions raised by these events, and although the trial has happened and sanctions have been imposed, it seems developments are ongoing. Eventing has been the longest love affair of my life and so of course, I’m full to bursting with feelings. There are many things to say about the process which determined the sanctions Andrew has been given, as well as about the events that led to the allegations, but for the purposes of this piece, I’m going to focus on what struck me the most profoundly: as a woman and a mom to a young woman, it’s impossible not to read the report and wonder about the way the FEI witnesses’ statements were treated. All seven of those witnesses were women, and at least over half could be considered as being in a vulnerable position during their experiences with Andrew, due to circumstances such as their age (two were stated to be in their early-20s, one younger), and/or being dependent on him for their work (and therefore, arguably, their professional reputation), living arrangements and/or the board of their horses.

This context is important when we look at the magnitude of what their coming forward meant. Andrew is a professional rider at the highest level of the sport, thus, we can probably assume, having influence within the equestrian community. He clearly has access to legal representation as well as professionals of high stature within the sport willing to stand with him (for example, the witnesses for the Respondent included a fellow 5* rider and a Licensed Official). The FEI witnesses came forward with potentially career-ending information, perhaps even criminal allegations of horse abuse. It was a big deal for them to speak out and the consequences – on both sides – were huge.

In a sport which boasts a level playing field between men and women competing as equals, the above surely feels rather inequitable. Of course, this is circumstantial, however when we remember what should have been the primary concern of the trial, horse welfare and the protection of horses, I would have liked things to be a lot fairer in terms of seeking out the truth of the matter in hand – clear abuse of multiple horses.

Reading through the cross-examination of the witnesses and the Panel’s assessment of their statements, much was made of inconsistencies, discussion with other witnesses and alleged collaboration between them, and the generality with which the offences were described, all of which ultimately led to them being discredited, on the whole.

Sure, in an ideal situation, each witness would have come forward with a bank of indisputable video evidence, time and date stamped and clearly showing Andrew’s face, but with the added complexities of NDAs, phones being banned from premises, and where they are present, potentially being checked for any incriminating evidence, this seems unlikely at best, particularly in situations where the perpetrator is described as having a volatile nature, as is the case with Andrew. We’re talking about women who were in some cases, subordinates to Andrew and it would be absolutely unreasonable to suggest that the people who are best placed to witness horse abuse, working students and grooms, for example, would have free access to film misdemeanours without repercussions.

Is it understandable that those who came forward with allegations sought support from one another, although this is claimed to be minimal by at least one witness after the fact, given the seriousness of what they were bringing to light, including being called to trial? Of course it is. Is it logical that witness statements will show similarities? Well, yes, if the witnesses have observed similar actions and behaviors; automatically assuming that collaboration has taken place is injudicious. And is it reasonable that the witnesses’ recollections aren’t perfectly put-together, watertight statements? Actually, yes.

Their evidence, and the problems found with it, in my opinion, rings true for those who have been involved in some kind of abusive/unequal relationship. I have first-hand experience of such, both in the horse world and in my personal life, and I find it completely plausible for the statements to be somewhat disorganised and perhaps lacking specific detail. But those failings don’t make them untrue and it certainly doesn’t mean they should be discredited, almost across the board (just one from seven witnesses was deemed to have moderate weighting, two minimal and four no weight at all).

We need robust reporting systems that genuinely protect the horses as well as the people advocating for them, systems which negate the need for people to turn to social media in an effort to be heard.

We need support systems in place which help witnesses to navigate the process, with guidance in the presentation of their evidence, and a guarantee that they will be treated fairly and with integrity.

I would like to see a more holistic approach to evidence gathering, including the option to raise concerns anonymously, and both verbal and written statements holding equal merit, with witnesses able to use the method they are most comfortable with. And what about the horses involved? There are methods to ascertain whether horses are holding trauma, or other indications that they are suffering or have suffered abuse, and a host of professionals who can weigh-in on such matters. In short, we need comprehensive investigations from all angles, with less focus on trying to discredit evidence, and the whole intention on the primary goal of protecting the horse. And we need riders who make their living from horses visibly on board.

I recently saw a Facebook post made by a backyard pony owner who had been visited by a welfare officer after a concern was raised by a member of the public. It turned out, the person who had made the call wasn’t knowledgeable in horse care and didn’t know that healthy, unclipped native ponies are fine to live outside without blankets, with optional shelter, during the winter. The horse owner welcomed the concern and the visit, saying that she’s glad that the public are looking out for horses. If you’ve nothing to hide, there’s nothing to worry about.

I’m not saying that everyone should have a squeaky clean history of horsemanship and should be condemned if that’s not the case; working with and learning about horses is a lifelong journey and we’re all human, we make mistakes. When we know better, we do better. But when abuse is clear, it must be dealt with thoroughly and fairly and without any leniency, regardless of the means and how many friends in high places the abuser may have. The fact that we’re having to advocate for a horse-first approach to dealing with abuse is, frankly, extremely worrying. It should be a given, not something to aspire towards.

There are enough truly great people in eventing to be inspired by, to learn from, to try and emulate, that the good can surely overcome the very bad things we’ve seen, and are seeing. I pin my hopes on that. And I hope that the people with the power to enact change are listening, and will facilitate ways for the eventing community and the general public to feel confident that the governing bodies are truly committed to protecting horses.

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Dec 12, 2025 12:01 am -

Frangible technology in full use on the Pan Ams track. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The USEA Frangible Technology Fund is just $15,000 short of its goal to meet a $250,000 matching grant from The Manton Foundation! To donate, please visit www.USEAFoundation.org to help keep our sport operating as safely as possible. This means more funding for safety devices on cross country courses all over the country and contributes to a safer sport for us all.

U.S. Events This Week

None! But there is the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, which kicks off tomorrow. You can follow along and find more information here.

News & Reading

The Australian Olympic Committee has committed $50 million into its Olympic athletes. The funding will be directed towards initiatives to help financially support Olympic athletes, who may have given up other career paths or income streams in their pursuit of the Games, future retirement, and the return of a mother to the sport. You can read more about this initiative here.

New research, supported by grants from the Chromatic Fund in honor of a show jumping horse who died at a competition in Europe, has identified potential links between corticosteroid injections and longterm ill effects. Surprisingly, not much research had previously been done on this topic, and Dr. Lauren Schnabel, a professor of equine orthopedic surgery and prolific researcher of joint therapies at NC State University, has undertaken this subject with her team. Read more about the research here.

The once near-extinct Przewalski’s Horse has made its way back onto their historic homeland — the grasslands of central Kazakhstan — thanks to the diligent efforts of research, breeding and planning. A reintroduction of several horses was recently made, and National Geographic was there to chronicle it. You can read the full article here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Your chance to qualify for the 2026 Stable View Eventing Academy Championships starts this weekend with the final Eventing Academy of the year! Some great prizes are on offer for all division winners, thanks to the support of Fox Heart, the traditional Graze & Gaze will be held on December 13th at 5 p.m., and you can still enter on the day of! More information can be found here.

And don’t forget: entries are open now for the Aiken Opener H.T., which will take place January 17-18. More information on this event can be found here.

Video Break

A question for each mile run by Joanie Morris in support of frangible technology:

Perspective: Lately, I’m Struggling

By on Dec 11, 2025 9:00 am -

In the wake of the Andrew McConnon horse abuse case decision and other issues facing our sport, the EN team has penned some opinion pieces to share with our readers. You can read our full breakdown of the McConnon case here.

Photo by Michelle Beck.

Struggling to keep hold of all the reasons I fell in love with this sport in the first place. Struggling to find the enthusiasm to support this sport at the highest levels. Struggling to be a fan of people that I used to openly admire. Struggling to feel excited to participate in something that’s feeling more and more like it’s sliding down a slippery slope.

Many times over the past year I’ve found myself hacking around the farm on one of my horses, ruminating on current events in the horse world, and having a bit of an existential crisis. I have sometimes asked myself what the hell I’m even doing. I’m “just” an adult amateur that’s competed to Preliminary level, so I know that most of the elite and the powers-that-be will fully and automatically dismiss my viewpoints. I urge them not to, because people like me are what keep this sport and industry afloat.

No, I’m not a top level rider and I never will be. But what I am – and I would dare say this is just as important if not even more so – is a fan. A participant. A supporter. A cog in the machine that makes this all work. I pay my membership fees every year (although this year I admit it has come with a dearth of enthusiasm), and I enter plenty of horse shows. I buy tickets to Kentucky and Maryland, pay to attend YEH Symposiums and judging seminars. I give money to USEA programs, buy things in online fundraising auctions, and donate to riders raising money to attend overseas events. I don’t have the kind of bank account required to be an owner for a top level rider, but if I did, I would. I’m 100% in, with every spare dollar.

I love this sport so much that I gave up a corporate career to move to Ocala just to be “in the thick of it” and learn as much as I can from some of the best in the country. I have several different jobs within the horse industry, working 6-7 days a week to make it all work.

This is my life, probably just as much as your average professional but in a different format. Again, because I love it… there’s simply no other reason than that.

And yet, for the first time, I’ve found myself questioning what I’m doing. What we’re all doing. Whether or not I actually want to be a cog in this machine. Every time another abuse allegation drops, I’m sick to my stomach. Every time the claims are dismissed with “we all make mistakes” or “you don’t know what it’s like because you’ve never ridden at this level”, I feel like the words ring more and more hollow. And every time someone with a clear and well-documented history of abuse gets a slap on the wrist, I feel a lot more enraged.

Reading through the FEI Tribunal docs in the McConnon case was astounding, in all the worst ways, and incredibly disappointing. If that’s an example of our best system at work, the future doesn’t look particularly promising.

I will acknowledge that we all make mistakes. I don’t know a single one of us that can stand here and say we haven’t. The key, however, is to stop making the same ones repeatedly. Albert Einstein was famously quoted as saying “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That’s exactly what we’re doing. This is starting to feel like insanity (and not the fun kind that we like so much here at EN – the other much more sinister, considerably less enjoyable kind).

If people are reporting these incidents to the proper channels and it goes nowhere, or their testimony is weighed less heavily because they aren’t as “important”, or they’re disregarded and intimidated by a group of big names that rally around an offender… this will never stop. We’ll be sealing our own fate.

Having employees sign NDA’s and banning people from having phones… well, that’s… uh, one approach I guess. We’ve managed to make social media policies high priority and a major talking point, but if our only answer is to close ranks and try to hide, we’re not on the right side. That CAN’T be it.

Social license to operate has been a hot topic of conversation, and it’s critical. However, I feel like it’s manifested more as people being trained on PR, rather than what it really means in the big picture.

Social media is a highlight reel of the things you do, but your actions are what show people who you are. That’s what’s really up for debate here, and that’s what the general public is trying to decide, whether we like it or not. Who are we really? When footage or testimony comes out that so harshly contrasts the carefully cultivated image we’ve chosen to put forth, it leaves people wondering how much of what they’re seeing in the highlight reel is true. If any of it is true.

So the question for me is: what are we actually doing to eradicate the kind of behavior that keeps getting us here in the first place? How do we make it so these things don’t happen? What are we doing to support the mental health of people in our industry? What programs do we have in place to help teach people better horsemanship practices in times of stress? Where is the system to start catching these things before they spiral out of control? And how do we make the system actually work properly to protect the horses? Reporting incidents to the proper channels hasn’t seemed to work very well.

And if everyone makes mistakes, how are we as an industry helping people not make them over and over again? If we really believe that people can be rehabilitated, HOW exactly is that going to happen? Show me the notes, the outline, the bullet points. We don’t need the same tired, empty words, we need action items, and we need them desperately.

I also think the reporting process needs a hard look. if we don’t want to even investigate allegations without major proof, yet we either a) take away any ability to provide said proof, b) immediately start trying to discredit people who report because they aren’t as important or established in our industry… what exactly is the path here? We all know who wins in that scenario, and it certainly isn’t the horses.

What’s so frustrating, as someone in my shoes, is that I see a lot of the same empty words, a lot of protecting and brushing aside, alongside a whole lot of complicity. What I don’t see is people in positions of power that are actually taking the reins and steering us toward actionable change. This makes me deeply concerned for the future of our sport, because I truly don’t think it can take much more of this. I don’t think I, as a fan, can take much more of this.

There will come a point, sooner or later, where people like me are left with no choice but to vote with their feet and wallets. And to me, that’s a devastating future to ponder. I love this sport, but I love horses more. I don’t want to have to choose between the two just so I can sleep at night without feeling like I’m complicit.

Some will say I’m being dramatic, but I don’t think we’re being dramatic enough. This is a critical time in history for horse sports as a whole, and we’re failing the open book test. We MUST evolve, or we’ll be eradicated. And honestly? We’d deserve it. If we can’t do better than this, we don’t deserve the sport, and we don’t deserve the horses we claim to love.

What we’ve done so far, it’s not enough. It’s not addressing the root problem. I bet that many of us can sit here and think of at least a few top level professionals that are abuse allegations just waiting to come to light. And the fact that the behavior of those people is so well-known, if not within the industry at large but certainly within the circles of the elite, yet apparently nothing can be done about it… it’s a festering wound. We can only take so many before the infection is systemic. In a sport that prides itself so much on courage, I find us to sometimes be severely lacking in all the ways that count.

The optimist in me believes that it’s not too late to change course. That surely we have enough integrity, as horsemen and horsewomen first and foremost, to do what needs to be done, even if it’s hard. To take action. To get ahead of these situations while we still can. To better educate young professionals, to stop protecting and supporting the current bad actors, and figure out how to solve the very real mental health crisis that exists within our community.

I believe that we can be better and we can do better, but that’s the key, isn’t it? The “doing”. Either we figure out how to right the ship ourselves, genuinely and from within, or we’re doomed to be tried and convicted in the court of social media.

I don’t know the answers. I wish I did. I don’t know how to fix this. I wish I did. But I do know that more and more people are struggling the same way that I am. We are standing on a precipice; a point of no return. What’s our next move?

Thursday News & Notes

By on Dec 11, 2025 12:01 am -

We’re sending our love today to Julia Norman, a British 5* athlete who has sadly announced the end of her eventing career after a traumatic brain injury left her with long-lasting effects following a fall during training.

“The fall left me unconscious tor 45 minutes, as I had suffered a traumatic brain injury,” Julia wrote on social media. “The MRI also showed I had already sustained damage from a couple of falls 2 years ago… Another fall would likely be life ending or extremely life changing, forcing an unexpected and very sudden end to my riding career, well before I would ever have been ready to stop doing what I so loved. I am not going to lie, it has been a tough few months, and a lot to come to terms with. But, as I have to keep telling myself, I’ve been lucky to be able to get up and walk away, with my two little boys Max and Harry, and my amazing husband Tristan.”

We’re wishing Julia all the best. It’s devastating to have your career and love of competition taken away, and we can only imagine how difficult this has been for Julia and her loved ones.

U.S. Events This Week

None! But there is the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, which kicks off tomorrow. You can follow along and find more information here.

News & Reading

Ocala’s International Airport is moving forward with some hefty expansion plans over the next 20 years. Chatter on the local equestrian community’s social media indicates that some things have been missed in the approval process for these expansions, including a lack of noise testing and other considerations. You can read more on the plans and a recent meeting held for community members regarding the changes here.

Australian rider Oliver Barrett sits well atop the FEI Young Rider World Rankings after a banner year, and his goals of representing his country on the international championship team are ever closer. You can meet Oliver and get to know this rising star for the Aussies here.

FEI World #2 dressage rider Isabell Werth is heading stateside this winter! Isabell will be competing in Wellington, FL for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival during Week 7 in February, so if you’re planning to be in the area it might just warrant a trip down to Welly World! Read more here.

Video Break

Safety is only as good as your fit, and Charles Owen helps some contestants from the Blackfort Equestrian All-Star Academy in this H&C+ video:

The First Standalone USEA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Eventing Championships are Coming to Stable View in 2026

By on Dec 10, 2025 9:00 am -

Photo by Annan Hepner / USEA.

The USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships have become a spring staple for 5th through 12th graders and undergraduate collegiate athletes. The weekend brings joy, camaraderie, and celebration of a year of growth with their fellow teammates, and a chance to represent their school on the big stage. Each year, interest in the Championships has grown, and with the help of our partners at Stable View, the USEA is thrilled that 2026 will mark the first standalone event for program members.

This means that on the weekend of May 15-17, 2026, the USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships will be held exclusively for Intercollegiate and Interscholastic program members. In the past, the championships have been hosted alongside an existing USEA-recognized horse trial to bolster numbers, but now that the championships have proven to attract the interest of more than 200 participants each year, there isn’t a need for non-championship entries. The growth of the joint championships over the last two years since the inaugural event in 2024 has been nothing short of incredible, and that is thanks to the enthusiasm of the students’ athletes and their support networks.

“Stable View is looking forward to welcoming students to the first standalone USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships,” said Barry Olliff, co-owner of Stable View with his wife, Cindy Olliff. “The ongoing development of these Championships has been very inspiring to watch. We will be continuing to play our part in what has become one of the outstanding events on the Stable View Eventing calendar.”

The Intercollegiate & IEL Championships have been proudly hosted by Stable View for the last two years, and the Event Organizers have dedicated themselves to enhancing the experience for the competitors at every turn. In addition to opening and closing ceremonies, evening parties and team bonding opportunities each night of the event, and creative Spirit Award competitions, Stable View offered a College Fair in 2025 that gained great traction, allowing collegiate members to promote their programs to the IEL riders as they consider the next steps in their educational and eventing journey.

In 2026, there will be even more in store. The USEA plans to include exciting educational opportunities for students to attend, including a session on grooming and horsemanship best practices, and there will be exclusive championships merch available at the Shop USEA booth on-site for the first time.

“We are thrilled to see the evolution of the Intercollegiate & IEL Championships into the first standalone event,” exclaimed Rob Burk, USEA CEO. “I am so thankful for the work of the respective committees and USEA staff who have championed these programs. This is the culmination of years of effort on their part. We can’t wait for an even bigger and better event at Stable View next spring!”

If you haven’t already, sign up to join the Championships WhatsApp group hosted by Stable View for updates in the lead up to the event. Click here or scan the QR code to the right to join the group. Both championships will host divisions at the Starter through Preliminary levels, and Spirit Awards will be offered separately for each program. There will be no qualifications necessary to enter the Intercollegiate Eventing Championship or the IEL Championship, however, all schools and teams represented must be registered affiliates of the USEA.

Don’t forget to submit your Collegiate Team Applications or IEL Application Forms, along with an official roster, to Jennifer Hardwick, USEA Senior Director of Membership Services, at [email protected] by February 15, 2025.

All collegiate participants must be enrolled as undergraduate students, or with their school’s approval, be no more than 6 months past the completion of their undergraduate education, allowing December graduates to compete in the May championship. Collegiate participants are also required to hold an active USEA Membership, and if they intend to compete in the Championship, they must hold a Full or Life membership.

If you attend an accredited university or college that isn’t currently listed on the Intercollegiate Eventing Program List, consider starting a new team by reviewing the program information here and submitting a Collegiate Team Application.

All IEL participants must be enrolled in 5th through 12th grade at a public school, private school, online school or homeschool program. Unlike the Intercollegiate Eventing Program, IEL Clubs can be made up of any group of junior riders who share a common bond – like riding at the same barn, competing with the same trainer, attending the same school or being a part of the same Pony Club. For a list of the current Interscholastic Eventing Clubs, please click here. All Interscholastic participants are also required to hold an active USEA Membership, and if they intend to compete in the Championship, they must hold a Full or Life membership.

If you are interested in starting a new IEL Club, click here to learn more about the program and submit an IEL Application Form today. Any questions regarding the Intercollegiate Eventing Program or Interscholastic Eventing League and the upcoming 2026 Championships can be directed to USEA Staff Liaison, Kaleigh Collett, at [email protected].

About the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program

The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program was established in 2014 to provide a framework within which eventing teams and individual competitors could flourish at universities and colleges across the country. Many events across the country offer Intercollegiate Team Challenges where collegiate eventers can compete individually or in teams with their fellow students. In Intercollegiate Team Challenges, each rider’s score is multiplied by a coefficient appropriate for their level to account for differences in level difficulty, and then the individual scores are added together to determine the team score. The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship is a capstone event for the program, which is held annually in the spring. The 2026 USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Championships will be held at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 15-17. Click here to learn more about the Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

The USEA would like to thank Bates Saddles, Horse & Country, Kerrits, PulseVet, Sidelines, U.S. Equestrian, WeRideTogether, World Equestrian Brands and Young Rider Magazine for sponsoring the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

About the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL)

In August 2020, the USEA Board of Governors approved the creation of the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) as an official program of the USEA. The mission of IEL is to unite junior riders who are in the 5th—12th grade and provide a supportive community through which students can continue to pursue their riding interests. A group of junior members in the 5th—12th grade who share a common bond, such as the same barn, school, Pony Club, or other connection, can register with the USEA as an IEL Club. The 2026 USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Championships will be held at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 15-17. Click here to learn more about the Interscholastic Eventing League.

The USEA would like to thank Bates Saddles, Horse & Country, Kerrits, PulseVet, Sidelines, U.S. Equestrian, WeRideTogether, World Equestrian Brands, and Young Rider Magazine for sponsoring the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League.

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Dec 10, 2025 12:01 am -

British Eventing has released more than just a date sheet with its 2026–2031 FEI calendar and 2026 national fixtures list, which just came out this week. It has also laid out, in some detail, how those fixtures are built to support the sport all levels, from BE80 through to 5*.

In a press release, the FEI and national calendars are described as the product of months of detailed planning, collaboration and strategic decision-making between event organizers, national and international governing bodies, and British Eventing’s Fixtures Panel. Under its Terms of Reference, the Panel is required to work objectively, collectively and with impartiality, with independent members, organizers, riders, owners and BE staff all contributing to ensure that every single fixture and date placement is reviewed through a strategic and fair lens.

As CEO Rosie Williams notes, “every single date is part of a much bigger picture… mapping out qualification pathways for riders from BE80 all the way through to 5*, and aligning them with international calendars, Olympic cycles, and performance plans.”

That bigger picture is rooted in qualification and preparation. The calendar is structured around giving riders opportunities that build progression, fitness, confidence and experience, with “the right events at the right time, and with the right ground” identified as critical factors.

The press release also sets out the practical pressures that shape those decisions: the cost of running a BE event, the constraints of tenanted land and limited fixture opportunities, the preparation time needed for international horse trials – especially in historic or heritage settings – and the resource-heavy nature of modern safety infrastructure, from frangible technology to the teams needed to install and maintain it. Against that backdrop, British Eventing emphasizes the need for close partnership with organizers and ongoing work with the FEI, including participation in the FEI Sports Forum, to help ensure that calendar design remains sustainable while still delivering a geographically balanced, progressive and “opportunity-rich” season for members across the UK – from new and returning BE80–100 and BE90 classes to enhanced youth and pony pathways and additional intermediate options in key regions.

“When you zoom out, this isn’t just about one event or one date,” Rosie concludes. “It’s about how we keep the whole sport moving forward. For 2026, we’re bringing in a number of really positive updates across the BE fixtures calendar — new events, returning unaffiliated fixtures and a programme shaped by what our riders told us they wanted. Thanks to the insight from our Member Fixtures Panels, this year’s calendar is more responsive and built with member input at the heart of it.”

We don’t yet know what the entry fees for 2026 will be, as the organizers of each event will now be working on that detail. British Eventing competitions do offer Early Bird pricing as a way to spur entries in time.

To read more on the new fixtures calendar and the process to delivering it, click here.

U.S. Events This Week

None! But there is the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, which kicks off tomorrow. You can follow along and find more information here.

News & Reading

If you’re a barn manager, groom or other individual tasked with caring for horses, the holidays can be a tough run of weeks. You don’t get a traditional holiday break in the same sense as others, and it can feel like you’ve suddenly turned into a total scrooge. How do you navigate this? The Chronicle of the Horse’s Stable Sage has some, er, sage, advice for you here.

Boyd Martin and Laura Graves are two featured coaches in the forthcoming year’s content from Performance Coaches! Offering up their expertise for a “Dressage Blueprint” and an “Eventing Blueprint,” Boyd and Laura are ready to share tools you can put into action to get your season off to a great start. You can reserve a free spot in Boyd’s upcoming workshop, taking place on Monday, December 15, here. The session will be recorded, but you’re encouraged to attend live.

Prolific event horse owner Paul Ridgeon has passed away at the age of 93. A lifelong lover of horses led him to the sport of eventing, where he supported riders like Oliver Townend with horses such as Armada and Cooley Rosalent. His contributions to the sport and to the greater world at large are profiled in this Horse & Hound tribute.

Does Sydney Elliott get nervous when she competes? How does she handle disappointment? What’s her training and coaching philosophy? In a recent sitdown with Practical Horseman, Sydney gets real about some burning questions. See her answers here.

Video Break

Harry Meade practices his dressage skillz in the off-season:

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Dec 9, 2025 12:01 am -

EquiRatings has been hard at work crunching numbers for a full 2025 review, and the latest stats to hit the airwaves have to do with low dressage scores. We’re familiar with a few horses and riders who’ve shown a particular talent for this, and it’s no surprise to see German Olympic champion Michael Jung top the list.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The 2025 Kentucky winner averaged 24.8 in the first phase of competition across 8 runs this year. There’s also a strong British presence on the top rankings, and we’ll go ahead and claim New Zealand’s Monica Spencer as one of our own, making an appearance at number 7 with an average of 28.2 across 7 runs.

Izzy Taylor and Monkeying Around. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also of note is Great Britain’s Izzy Taylor, who averaged a 29.0 across 15 runs — impressive!

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (FL); Ram Tap Combined Test (CA); Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (SC)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

None!

News & Reading

Over 70,000 hours of volunteerism were logged at events all over the country in 2025. In total, some 4300+ volunteers donated their time to the sport in one way or another, helping to keep labor costs low and provide support to both recognized and unrecognized competitions. Celebrate the efforts of these VIP Volunteers here.

Olympic rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier is setting a new standard in her home country of Belgium, and aided by the talent set found within the burgeoning Belgian team, the future is bright for this “one to watch” nation. For her part, Lara’s had a special 2025 season, breaking the single season win record (21 in 2025!) and accumulating a handful of Belgian firsts along the way. Take a closer look at a season for the ages for one of Belgian’s brightest stars here.

New research across multiple disciplines — from the NFR to dressage biomechanics — shows that equestrian performance can be quantified, analyzed, and improved far beyond traditional subjective observation. Take a look at the work of multiple studies recently concluded or currently running for a deeper dive here.

A recent study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science indicates that providing feed to horses in group settings may support their well-being by promoting natural social behavior. However, many owners are familiar with the complications that can arise, such as competition and aggression around feed. So how do you manage these types of horses, and are items like feed bags a viable solution to keep dinnertime drama-free? Read more on this study here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

When picking hay for your horse, consider the type of hay available. Different types offer different nutrition, and things like soil type and weather can also have an effect on the ultimate nutritional profile of the finished product. Learn more about hay choices and selection know-how with the help of Kentucky Performance Products here.

Video Break

Don’t miss the incredible story of the Kentucky Horse Park, as told in this new mini documentary:

Weekend Winners: Rocking Horse & Full Gallop Farm

By on Dec 8, 2025 9:00 am -

Winter cheer abounded this weekend at two events running to slide us into the off-season. We’ll be concluding Weekend Winners for the season this week, but we’ll see you again in a few short weeks when the 2026 season begins at Sporting Days the first weekend in January.

To close us out, Michael Nolan and For Ever Blue Z earned our Unofficial Low Score Award at Rocking Horse in Florida, winning their Training division on a score of 23.3. Congratulations!

Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Scores]

Open Intermediate: Madeline Hartsock and Westwick Rebel (43.8)
Open Preliminary: Declan Best and Mai Tanzer (27.2)
Open Modified: Michael Nolan and Fulio (28.0)
Open Training: Michael Nolan and For Ever Blue Z (23.3)
Training Rider: Holly Goen and Gold Bucks Frenchman (52.0)
Novice Rider: Merrell Waggoner and Big Bear’s Coeur D’un Aigle (26.4)
Open Novice: Jennarose Ortmeyer and Woodville’s Rogue Comet (32.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Elyse Levin and Kirato (52.1)
Open Beginner Novice: McKena Knott and Destination Wexford (24.7)
Starter: William Barclay and Cooley Camelot (33.8)

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Modified: Laura Orlowski and St. Benedict (30.5)
Training: Rebecca Meriwether Barron and Grenadier Guard (31.8)
Novice: Beth Weisberger and Perfect Idea (28.9)
Beginner Novice A: Laura Sweet and To Be Honest (27.9)
Beginner Novice B: Kimberly Ohlsson and Mele Kalikimaka (30.9)
Starter: Jessica Schultz and FGF Decisive Warrior (31.8)

Monday News & Notes

By on Dec 8, 2025 1:45 am -

Cosby Green and Jos UFO Quidam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Cosby Green is wrapping up 2025 in grand fashion, topping the new FEI Eventing U25 World Rankings to head into the end of the year. With the inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships coming up in July of 2026 at Millstreet (Ireland), Cosby is one name to watch for the U.S., who does intend to target this developmental competition on the big stage.

You can view the full World Rankings here.

U.S. Event Results

Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Scores]

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026.

This week, the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will kick off in New Orleans, LA. Expect plenty of discussion across committee meetings, open forums and educational seminars, year-end award celebrations and a mindset boost from keynote speaker Natalie Hummel, all on tap starting Thursday. You can find more information on the week’s schedule of events here.

British Eventing is boasting strong numbers for 2025, exhibiting growth across multiple EquiRatings-tracked metrics such as competitor participation (at a 12-year high), growth at lower levels like BE105 (equivalent to around Training/Modified level in the U.S.), and other promising figures. Take a deeper dive into the numbers here.

Video Break

Join 5* rider Simon Grieve for a “week in the life” vlog: