Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Polish Your Performance with Caroline Moore

By on Feb 3, 2021 4:57 pm -

Caroline Moore needs little introduction for fans of the British eventing seen – the much-coveted trainer is World Champion Ros Canter‘s right-hand (wo)man, a part-owner of Allstar B,  and a pivotal part of the youth performance programme, too. Caroline’s valuable insights and coaching are highly sought-after – and luckily for all of us, she’s working with British Eventing on a series of short educational videos, each introducing an exercise you can tackle in your next schooling session.
We’ve collated the first batch to help you plan the rest of this week’s rides – a supple, adjustable, and rideable horse is just a few short exercises away.



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Remembering Anissa Cottongim with ATA ‘Anissa’s Fund’

By on Feb 3, 2021 3:00 pm -

Photo by Alicia Freese Photopgrapy.

Our community lost a dear friend, Anissa Cottongim, on January 31 after a battle with the rare cancer leiomyosarcoma. Forever dedicated not only to the sport of eventing but to the ongoing promotion of the Trakehner breed, Anissa could often be found spending hours volunteering or caring for the Advanced stallion, Tatendrang, throughout his career with Andrew Palmer. Now, a new fund has been created in Anissa’s honor to continue the breed’s growth as a part of her legacy.

Tate at three months getting love from Anissa. Photo courtesy Anissa Cottongim.

Hannah Williams sent the following tribute to Anissa and information on the new fund:

On 1/31/21, event horse breeder and owner of Advanced level eventing stallion Tatendrang *Ps*, Anissa Cottongim, lost her battle with cancer. Anissa bred Jonathan Holling’s Prophet *Ps* and was ferociously passionate about every “Tater Tot.”

To honor her legacy, her family and the American Trakehner Association have created “Anissa’s Fund.”

This fund will contribute directly to the ATA’s Special Board of Director’s Award. This $10,000 award, last presented to Christine Turner for Tsetserleg TSF *Pg* in 2018, is designated for the owner of any ATA-registered Trakehner foaled in North America that represents the USA or Canada on an Olympic or World Championship team that competes in dressage, combined training or jumping. If the horse was also bred in North America, the Board will award an additional $1,000 to the breeder of the horse.

It is the wish of her family that contributions be made to this fund in her name in lieu of flowers.

Several years ago I messaged Anissa and told her I was looking for a young prospect to produce. I went on to explain my…

Posted by Jonathan Holling on Monday, February 1, 2021

To contribute to Anissa’s Fund, please click here.

Get the Most Out of Your Working Student Position with This Advice from Deonte Sewell

By on Feb 3, 2021 12:00 pm -

Photo via Deonte Sewell on Facebook.

When he was a freshman in high school, Deonte Sewell made a piece of artwork depicting Phillip Dutton jumping a ditch and wall at what was then known as Rolex Kentucky. This manifestation of the eventing bug was just an idea in Deonte’s head in that moment. Little did he know that, nearly a decade later, he’d find himself working for Phillip himself as a vital member of the two-time Olympic gold medalist’s everyday team.

It’s been a winding road for Deonte, but the depth and variety of experience on his impressive resume has helped him end up where he is now. And he wants other aspiring riders and grooms to know that they, too, can find their pipe dreams becoming very real with just a bit of dedication and polish. We asked Deonte for his perspective on finding success working for professional riders. What have been some of the biggest lessons he’s learned along the way?

Deonte has been an integral part of programs including Tom Proctor Racing, Sara and Brian Murphy, Justine Dutton and Chris Barnard, and many others before and in between. This variety has given him an expansive view of the equestrian world and what it takes to navigate its inner workings.

Seeking Out the Right Positions

“When I would look for positions, I sought out a lot using Facebook. I had an idea of what I wanted prior to looking, but I also tried to have an understanding of the status of my knowledge and experience. Will I fit the part? Is the rider willing to train someone who doesn’t have as much experience? Those were the biggest things I looked for, and most of the time you’ll find the rider is more than willing to teach you.

I always felt like I didn’t have what it took, and the truth is you won’t really know until you get there. Most of the time, the riders will have a judgement of your general idea when you’re talking to them. If you show you’re persistent and willing to learn, that will make them eager to give you an education.

The upper-level riders, they’re just humans! They’re very nice. Just ask them, you never know! Some people prefer you to be up front and bold about it, I think that shows guts and that you really want it. The more you put out there, the more people will see how badly you want it.”

Photo via Deonte Sewell on Facebook.

Work Ethic

“To me, it’s really not a matter of the work being ‘hard’ or ‘easy’. It’s more how efficient am I going to be in the barn? That’s the biggest thing. Are you fast or slow? Do you try to look for more work when you’re done with your task? And if you don’t know what to do, are you asking questions about what’s next? Are you paying attention to the details and flow of the day? The more ambitious you are about getting things done, the more you’ll figure out.

Some days, you’ll be at the barn before 4 a.m and won’t get home until after 10. If you truly want this as a lifestyle, this is just a stepping stone to what’s to come. You’ll either push through or you’ll realize that it isn’t for you in the first few months. If there is a trial period, always take it!

Working Well as a Team

“Everyone has their roles in the barn. There will be people who’ve been there for years, and when you’re just coming in they’re going to have the advantage of experience. This can be discouraging, but you should more so understand the hard work they’ve put in to get where they are. I look at (Phillip’s head groom Emma Ford) and think about how much she has seen and done, and I only want to learn from her. The reason they are where they are – and this includes the riders – is that they put the time in.

You can’t look at your coworkers as competition. Efficiency is key in the barn, and if you have conflict it can really kill that. Any corrections are meant to make you a better horseman and a better rider.”

Posted by Deonte Sewell on Thursday, December 31, 2020

On Learning from a Variety of Programs

“Everyone has different ways they do things, and everyone has different explanations as to why they do it. I always look at how different things work for different horses and file them away for later down the road when I might have a horse that this method would work for.

Brian Murphy would always tell me to think of each program like a tool chest. To take it in and put it away for later in life when you may need it.

Last summer, spending time at (Justine Dutton and Chris Barnard’s Notting Hill Stables in Ocala) really helped my education. I always felt like show jumping was my weakest phase, so spending that time understanding a bit more what Justine wants in the show jumping, getting the feel of it through the course design of Chris Barnard, and riding proper show jumpers was really helpful. Now I feel I’m starting to get where I’m more confident than I was.

All of this has really helped me at Phillip’s because a part of my job is that I do get to ride some of the horses. Having all of that education is nice because now I can sit on the greener horses and still be able to do a job and understand what Phillip wants me to achieve.”

Check Your Direction

“I didn’t think this is where I would end up, but at the same time, I always said this is where I would end up. I used to joke about working for Phillip, but I was also serious about pursuing this career and so I was willing to work for anyone as long as it put me in the right direction.

You can learn something from anyone. It’s all about the experience. I had to set short term goals of what would put me where I wanted to go. The rider’s job is to mentor you so I was able to really lean on the people I’d worked for for help.

And it’s really nice being a part of their career. It’s really rewarding because you see how hard they work, and it gives me confidence that I’m heading in the right direction.

At the end of the day, Deonte says, he had no option but to work to get where he is now. As difficult as the going can get, he says it’s the most rewarding for him to be able to say “I worked for this”. “What is going to make you the better horseman?” he asked aloud. “Do that. That builds character.”

Host Locations for 2021 Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Announced

By on Feb 3, 2021 9:00 am -

The 2018 NAYC CICOY2* podium. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

US Equestrian has announced the inaugural host locations for the 2021 Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, the newly evolved format of the former North American Youth Championships (NAYC). The Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge offers opportunities for eventing athletes ages 14-25 to gain valuable experience in a team competition environment representing their respective United States Eventing Association (USEA) Areas at the FEI CCI 1/2/3* levels. The Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge will host multiple bi-coastal legs in the short format and culminate with two long format finals in the fall of 2021.

“We have spent a great deal of time developing this concept to provide an important development opportunity for our youth athletes to gain valuable team experience and participate in a championship format that we believe can be successful across the country,” said Jenni Autry, Managing Director of Eventing. “We are working to finalize additional West Coast short format competitions, which we will announce in the coming weeks, and look forward to launching this new pathway competition for our youth eventing athletes in 2021.”

The selected locations for the 2021 Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge are listed below and have been approved by the USEF Board of Directors:

East Coast

Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Aiken (Stable View) – March 25-27, 2021 – Levels: CCI1*, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S – Aiken, S.C.

Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Adamstown – July 2-4, 2021 – Levels: CCI1*, CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S – Adamstown, Md.

Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Unionville – Sept. 15-19, 2021 – Levels: CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S – Unionville, Penn.

Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Ocala (World Equestrian Center) – October 21-23, 2021 – Levels: CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S – Ocala, Fla.

East Coast Final: Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Tryon – November 10-14, 2021 – Levels: CCI1*, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L – Tryon, N.C.
West Coast
Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Yelm – June 11-13, 2021 – Levels: CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S – Yelm, Wash.

West Coast Final: Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Temecula – Nov. 3-7, 2021 – Levels: CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L – Temecula, Calif.

Each team will consist of three to four horse/athlete combinations to be chosen from qualified applicants by the USEA Area Selectors based on performance, soundness, experience, and suitability for the competition. All interested U.S. athletes must submit an Area Declaration and a one-time application for the upcoming competition year by February 15, 2021. Selection procedures for the Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge are available here.

A second Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Informational Webinar will be hosted in partnership with the USEA on February 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. The webinar will cover the new format for the Youth Team Challenge, host location questions and area declaration questions. Register here.

For More Information

Adequan/USEF Youth Team Challenge FAQ
Adequan/USEF Youth Team Challenge Informational Webinar

For questions regarding the USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, contact Christina Vaughn, USEF Director, Eventing Performance and Program Support, at (859) 225-6917 or [email protected].

Stay up to date by following USA Eventing on Facebook and Instagram. Use #USAEventing.

 

[Host Locations for 2021 Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Announced]

Read more on EN:

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Feb 3, 2021 12:01 am -

Graphic via Kareem Rosser.

February is Black History Month! In an effort to continue my own education, I’ve been doing some reading on some Black horsewomen and men who have helped shape the modern industry to what it is today. I would love to have the opportunity to share with you what I’m learning, so stay tuned each Wednesday morning for a new tidbit!

If you haven’t pre-ordered Kareem Rosser’s forthcoming memoir, Crossing the Line, I suggest you add it your list ASAP. I’ll take some description from the U.S. Polo website: “Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Kareem Rosser* thought he and his siblings would always be stuck in “The Bottom”, a community and neighborhood devastated by poverty and violence. Riding their bicycles through Philly’s Fairmount Park, Kareem’s brothers discovered a barn full of horses. Noticing the brothers’ fascination with her misfit animals, Lezlie Hiner, founder of the Work to Ride stables, offered them an escape route: an after school job in exchange for riding lessons.”

You can pre-order your copy of Crossing the Line, which is due to be released on February 11, by clicking here. Book club, anyone??

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Sporting Days Farm February H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Three Lakes Ranch H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

Wednesday Reading List:

Congrats to EN’s Maggie Deatrick, who birthed a baby human named Liana Evelyn Yeh yesterday morning “after 5 freaking hours of labor at 9:17 am after my water broke as I was going to bed at 11:30.” May Liana be as badass as her brave, beautiful, smart, strong mother. We promise a photo in tomorrow’s News & Notes!

The history of equestrianism is made all the richer by the diverse group of people who make up its fabric. The International Museum of the Horse last year launched The Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry as a way to provide more education about the rich history of the industry.

Need some more ideas for your bookshelf? Pre-order Amanda Gorman’s forthcoming book of poetry or pick up a gift for the young rider in your barn in Caitlin Gooch’s Black Equestrians coloring book.

Have you joined the party on Patreon yet? We’re running a special promo for our early patrons: everyone who signs up to support EN on Patreon (where we’ve created an exclusive Facebook group and have a lot of exciting extra planned) by February 14 will receive an EN Yeti mug or wine tumbler. Click here to join now!

Questions continue to swirl about the Tokyo Olympics as well as the logistics involved with the equestrian events should the Games go forward as planned. Find out the latest developments in this update from Horse & Hound.

Setting your barn up in the most horse-friendly way is a great method for ensuring that your horses will be happy and healthy. Read more in this case study on flooring from Haygain.

Today we are very saddened to pay our respects and tribute to Anissa Cottongim, who lost her battle with leiomyosarcoma this week. Anissa was a lifelong supporter of the sport of eventing and loved her horses more than anything. Recently, Anissa’s prized stallion, Tatendrang, paid a visit to her in the hospital — a quiet moment spent with a good friend. Anissa has left a true legacy and her loss has been felt all through our community. We will miss you dearly, Anissa. If you’d like to make a donation in Anissa’s honor, please click here; “Anissa’s Fund” will contribute directly to the American Trakehner Association’s Special Board of Director’s Award.

Your shift is done, good buddy.

You carried her well.

Posted by Andrew Palmer on Monday, February 1, 2021

Tuesday Video: Rocking Horse Helmet Cam from Elisa Wallace

By on Feb 2, 2021 5:00 pm -

It’s helmet cam season once again! Elisa Wallace brought her 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Munson Slew, out for his first leg-stretching run of the season at Rocking Horse this past weekend.

This was the gelding’s first outing since completing the CCI2*L at Tryon in November. The pair would go on to finish second in their Open Preliminary division down in Florida, and Elisa said she was pleased with the gelding’s improved confidence at the water. Enjoy the ride!

Working Students and Grooms Needed: These Programs Are Seeking Help [Updated 2/2]

By on Feb 2, 2021 3:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson and Team Windchase.

If you’ve tossed around the idea of going to work for a professional rider, the winter season and its mass migration south can be a good time to get your foot in the door. While we look ahead to the coming competition year, there are some new opportunities cropping up for would-be working students or grooms.

We’ll update this post periodically with new openings, some of which may even be outside of the eventing world. If you have a current position available at your business, please email [email protected] to add your listing. EN cannot guarantee the availability of these positions but we will do our best to maintain them with current status.

Matt and Cecily Brown / East West Eventing – Aiken, Sc

East West Eventing/Matt Brown is looking for 2 workers in Aiken – January-end of March: 1. Full time (paid) groom 2….

Posted by Matt Cecily Brown on Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Kyle and Jennifer Carter – Citra, Fl

Looking for a full time, reliable groom. Must have horse experience. All duties associated with horse care.
Click here to learn more and apply.

Courtney Cooper – C Square Farm – Nottingham,Pa/Aiken, Sc

Are you a competitive eventer looking to make it to the top of the sport, but need some investment in your future and…

Posted by Courtney Cooper, C Square Farm on Thursday, January 14, 2021

Cristoffer Forsberg – Sweden

We have a stable of 16-18 Eventing horses from 3yr old just broken in to 13yr old qualified for the Olympics in Tokyo. We’re looking for a person who wants to join our team and develop themselves over the course of minimum 6 months up to 1 year and maybe even further. The stable is based out of the south of Sweden. Close to Copenhagen airport and we compete all over Europe. To inquire, email [email protected].

Full Gallop Farm – Aiken, Sc

Looking for motivated working students/riders/asst trainers. Part-time and full-time options. We are an event facility in the heart of Aiken, SC. We have a heavy concentration on re- training OTTB’s. This is an intensive eventing experience with lots of riding. The position will involve lots of riding, competition, Sales, training, feeding, cleaning, handling horses, grooming, tacking horses, event set-up, general horse and farm care. We provide housing for you and one horse, or you can be paired with one of our horses if you do not have one. We will provide you with lessons and training – possible competing depending on progression, work and ability. Would like someone with some jumping experience and/or experience with green horses- will look at any potential students with desire. Our students get to work with a variety of world class trainers. We work with Simon Eades, Nielson Da Silva, several great Dressage trainers 3-4 times a week. We are the winter home to Many trainers.. We also have clinics year round, with trainers like Stephen Bradley, Lucinda Green, Bettina Hoy, Buck Davidson, etc. You are welcome to hold an outside job or attend school as long as we can work with the schedule you need. We have a great 4 year college here -USC Aiken. It is a highly rated and beautiful campus. They have an equestrian club as well as various teams which we support. Our program is unique and we have a fantastic team. We pride ourselves on the team we have and we work hard together. Please check out or website for more facility information. We also organize 8 USEA/USEF recognized events per year, as well as combines tests, schooling shows, clinics, jumping derbies, team chase, etc. We have a full state of the art cross-country course Tadpole – Intermediate. We have had students go on to work for Stephen Bradley, Jane Sleeper, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, and many that have gone on to their own successful businesses out of our farm or their own. Come be part of a great team. To inquire, email [email protected].

Pippa Funnell – Surrey, UK

🌟Looking for a groom to join Pippa Funnell’s Team – Surrey, UK🌟

Fantastic opportunity to work with a great team that…

Posted by Pippa Funnell on Friday, January 8, 2021

Ronald Zabala Goetschel – Wise Horses Farm – Ocala, Fl

WISE HORSES FARM – OCALA

Looking to add

TWO WORKING STUDENTS TO THE TEAM

Great opportunity to learn from:

– Ronald…

Posted by Ronald Zabala Goetschel on Wednesday, January 13, 2021

David Hopper, Inc – Amenia, Ny

We’re Hiring! ✅
Easy hours, good pay, and quiet work environment.

📞 Please call or text 508.858.7535 to express…

Posted by David Hopper Inc. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Ashley Kehoe – FL

Smooch! These equine athletes with their part-time modeling careers owe it all to their hardworking grooms. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

If you’ve tossed around the idea of going to work for a professional rider, the winter season and its mass migration south can be a good time to get your foot in the door. While we look ahead to the coming competition year, there are some new opportunities cropping up for would-be working students or grooms.

We’ll update this post periodically with new openings, some of which may even be outside of the eventing world. If you have a current position available at your business, please email [email protected] to add your listing. EN cannot guarantee the availability of these positions but we will do our best to maintain them with current status.

Matt and Cecily Brown / East West Eventing – Aiken, Sc

East West Eventing/Matt Brown is looking for 2 workers in Aiken – January-end of March: 1. Full time (paid) groom 2….

Posted by Matt Cecily Brown on Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Kyle and Jennifer Carter – Citra, Fl

Looking for a full time, reliable groom. Must have horse experience. All duties associated with horse care.
Click here to learn more and apply.

Cristoffer Forsberg – Sweden

We have a stable of 16-18 Eventing horses from 3yr old just broken in to 13yr old qualified for the Olympics in Tokyo. We’re looking for a person who wants to join our team and develop themselves over the course of minimum 6 months up to 1 year and maybe even further. The stable is based out of the south of Sweden. Close to Copenhagen airport and we compete all over Europe. To inquire, email [email protected].

Full Gallop Farm – Aiken, Sc

Looking for motivated working students/riders/asst trainers. Part-time and full-time options. We are an event facility in the heart of Aiken, SC. We have a heavy concentration on re- training OTTB’s. This is an intensive eventing experience with lots of riding. The position will involve lots of riding, competition, Sales, training, feeding, cleaning, handling horses, grooming, tacking horses, event set-up, general horse and farm care. We provide housing for you and one horse, or you can be paired with one of our horses if you do not have one. We will provide you with lessons and training – possible competing depending on progression, work and ability. Would like someone with some jumping experience and/or experience with green horses- will look at any potential students with desire. Our students get to work with a variety of world class trainers. We work with Simon Eades, Nielson Da Silva, several great Dressage trainers 3-4 times a week. We are the winter home to Many trainers.. We also have clinics year round, with trainers like Stephen Bradley, Lucinda Green, Bettina Hoy, Buck Davidson, etc. You are welcome to hold an outside job or attend school as long as we can work with the schedule you need. We have a great 4 year college here -USC Aiken. It is a highly rated and beautiful campus. They have an equestrian club as well as various teams which we support. Our program is unique and we have a fantastic team. We pride ourselves on the team we have and we work hard together. Please check out or website for more facility information. We also organize 8 USEA/USEF recognized events per year, as well as combines tests, schooling shows, clinics, jumping derbies, team chase, etc. We have a full state of the art cross-country course Tadpole – Intermediate. We have had students go on to work for Stephen Bradley, Jane Sleeper, Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, and many that have gone on to their own successful businesses out of our farm or their own. Come be part of a great team. To inquire, email [email protected].

Pippa Funnell – Surrey, UK

🌟Looking for a groom to join Pippa Funnell’s Team – Surrey, UK🌟

Fantastic opportunity to work with a great team that…

Posted by Pippa Funnell on Friday, January 8, 2021

Ronald Zabala Goetschel – Wise Horses Farm – Ocala, Fl

WISE HORSES FARM – OCALA

Looking to add

TWO WORKING STUDENTS TO THE TEAM

Great opportunity to learn from:

– Ronald…

Posted by Ronald Zabala Goetschel on Wednesday, January 13, 2021

High Performance Farm – FL

Looking for a full time groom, year around here in Ocala, Florida. Must be responsible, cheerful, caring, hard working, and a team player. The responsibilities include feed, turn out, tacking/untacking, bathing, treatments, grooming, barn chores, and stalls. Must have own transportation and non smoker.

Meyerhoff Show Horses – Ocala, FL

Team Meyerhoff is looking for another person to join the squad! We have a very busy spring schedule and were looking for…

Posted by Danica Meyerhoff on Monday, January 4, 2021

Courtney Sendak – MD

Looking for a new member to add to our growing team for 2021 season!

Small boutique eventing operation in Sykesville,…

Posted by Courtney Sendak on Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Kaylawna Smith / K. Smith Eventing – CA to East Coast

💫ISO : Assistant Groom while traveling to east coast – Feb-April mid May. Help groom for top professionals and travel to shows weekly.
Groom experience is a plus!
Message for details 🤩🦄

Posted by K. Smith Equestrian on Sunday, January 3, 2021

TerraNova Equestrian Center – Myakka City, FL

ISO: Full time groom for eventing program! We are looking for a hardworking, experienced, and motivated groom to join our team at TerraNova Equestrian Center! This position would include, but not limited to, tacking up, cooling out, lunging, trot sets, show quality grooming/braiding, travel to horse shows 2-3 times per month. The ideal candidate would be 18+, interested in long term, have experience showing or being a show groom, reliable, trustworthy, professional, and able to work alone or with a team. This is a salary position with benefits! Salary depends on experience.
If interested, please email [email protected] with resume and references.

Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Will Not Run in 2021; EEI Exploring Alternative Competition Options

By on Feb 2, 2021 10:44 am -

Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We regret to inform you that the organizing body of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) has elected to cancel the 2021 event due to ongoing coronavirus complications. The nonprofit organization had previously expressed concerns about the viability of the event should the state of Kentucky and/or the USEF limit or prohibit spectators.

A press release sent via email by EEI reads as follows:

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (LRK3DE) will not hold its famed Five Star three-day event this year, previously scheduled for April 22-25. The Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and other events are being explored to be held over that weekend but without spectators.

“We have been working with US Equestrian, the Kentucky Horse Park, and state and local government on several different scenarios for April,” said Mike Cooper, president of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) which produces the world-class event. “With so many uncertainties still remaining regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is premature for US Equestrian to remove its restrictions on spectators. Given the importance of the health and well-being of our spectators and competitors, we feel the only option at this time is to cancel the Five Star Event and hopefully proceed with other events that our fans can enjoy via livestream and other outlets.”

Among the other competitions being considered is a new CCI-4*-S which will likely feature many of the same horses and riders that would have been competing in the Five Star, plus the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix which normally takes place on Saturday afternoon.

“While disappointing that all our fans can’t join us again this April,” added Lee Carter, EEI executive director, “we are excited that some of those same fans can now compete in new levels we will be offering during the ‘Best Weekend All Year!’ April 21-25 … Save the Date! Plans are being developed and will be communicated as approved.”

Spectators, patrons, vendors and sponsors who paid for the 2020 event and chose to roll their money over for 2021 will have the option of full refunds or rolling their money over again for 2022. Ticket holders can expect an email regarding their options. Sponsors may choose to be part of whatever events are held in 2021 with new agreements that fit this year’s situation.

“We want to thank everyone who has been so patient throughout this difficult process,” Carter added. “We remain committed to all our supporters across the country and around the world and we look forward to putting on a great event this spring and welcoming everyone back for our full-scale Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Five Star, with the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix, in 2022!”

Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” LRK3DE is one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world along with Badminton and Burghley in England; Luhmuhlen in Germany; Pau in France; Adelaide in Australia and the new Five Star event in Maryland. As the United States’ premier three-day event, LRK3DE serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI-5*-L Eventing National Championship Presented by MARS Equestrian™ for U.S. athletes. The event was scheduled to return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 22-25.

2021 Calendar of North American FEI/Advanced H.T. & Notable Changes

By on Feb 2, 2021 8:55 am -

Red Hills will open the 2021 North American international eventing calendar on March 11-14. PIctured: Sharon White and Cooley On Show, winners of the 2020 Red Hills CCI4*-S. Photo by Shelby Allen.

2021 is underway! Time to pull out that fresh clean slate of a calendar and start mapping out your eventing plans for the year ahead. For your convenience, here is a provisional calendar of North American CCIs and Advanced H.T. for the upcoming year.

Useful links:
USEA Calendar of Events
USEF Competition Search
Equestrian Canada Calendar of Events
FEI Calendar Search

Aside from a few date and level offering changes, here are some notables:

  • Events still “Pending USEF Approval” are designated by italics (there are 10 as of Feb. 1)– US Equestrian has advised to check back weekly for updates.
  • There are 62 FEI/Advanced events in 2021, up from 58 in 2020.
  • Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field marks the only Showcase event taking place this year; to our knowledge, Wellington Eventing Showcase is not running.
  • Fresno County Horse Park, which has been running international events since 2014, has no Advanced or FEI listings this year but still has five horse trials on the calendar. The venue is under new ownership; we thank its past and present stewards and know the Park has a bright future ahead.
  • Bromont is set to host the only North American leg of the 2021 FEI Eventing Nations Cup series at its August event, as it was last year until the event was canceled due to Covid.
  • The new US Equestrian Competition Task Force has been apprised of member concerns about the Unionville event’s controversial name, whose status is pending.
  • Ontario’s Will O’ Wind H.T., host venue for cross country at the 2015 Pan Am Games, is hosting three international events in 2021, up from one last year.
  • New for the calendar are two fall Florida events: The Event at Terra Nova and WEC International.
  • Ocala Jockey Club Three-Day Event, which has been hosting a fall CCI since 2016 including a 4*-L in 2018-2019 (2020 was canceled due to Covid), is not currently listed on the USEF or FEI calendar. The event submitted its 2021 license renewal and has been advised by USEF that its levels are pending FEI approval.
  • Key: ⭐️highest level offered, 🍾showcase, ⚡️Advanced, Italics: events pending USEF approval
2/18-21 🇺🇸 Rocking Horse II Advanced ⚡️ Altoona, FL Website Advanced
2/26-28 🇺🇸Pine Top Winter II Advanced ⚡️ Thompson, GA Website Advanced
2/25-28 🇺🇸Twin Rivers Winter H.T. ⚡️ Paso Robles, CA Website Advanced
3/5-6 🇺🇸Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field 🍾 Aiken, SC Website Showcase
3/11-14 🇺🇸Red Hills International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️ Tallahassee, FL Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, A
3/12-14 🇺🇸Copper Meadows H.T. ⚡️ Ramona, CA Website Advanced
3/17-21 🇺🇸Carolina International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️ Raeford, NC Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S
3/25-27 🇺🇸Stable View Spring CCI ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Aiken, SC Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, CCI1*
3/26-28 🇺🇸Galway Downs International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️ Temecula, CA Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, A
4/2-4 🇺🇸The Fork at TIEC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️ Mill Spring, NC Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, CCI1*, A
4/9-11 🇺🇸CHC International at Chatt Hills ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fairburn, GA Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, CCI1*S, A
4/8-11 🇺🇸Twin Rivers CCI & H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Paso Robles, CA Website CCI4*L/S, CCI3*L/S, CCI2*L, A
4/9-11 🇺🇸Fair Hill International April HT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️ Elkton, MD Website CCI4*S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, A
4/15- 🇺🇸Ocala International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⚡️ Ocala, FL Website CCI3*L,CCI2*L*,CCI1*L, A
4/21-25 🇺🇸Kentucky Three-Day Event ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lexington, KY Website CCI5*L
5/6-10 🇺🇸Jersey Fresh International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Allentown, NJ Website CCI4*L/S, CCI3*L/S
5/15-16 🇨🇦Will O’Wind H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Orangeville, ON Website CCI2*S, CCI3*S
5/22-23 🇺🇸Chattahoochee Hills H.T. ⚡️ Fairburn, GA Website Advanced
5/27-30 🇺🇸VHT International & H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lexington, VA Website CCI3*S ,CCI2*S/L, CCI1*
5/28-30 🇺🇸Spring Event at Woodside ⚡️ Woodside, CA Website Advanced
6/2-8 🇨🇦Bromont CCI ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bromont, QB Website CCI4*L, CCI4*S, CCI3*L, CCI2*L
6/11-13 🇺🇸Aspen Farm H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yelm, WA Website CCI3*S, CCI2*S
6/25-27 🇺🇸Stable View Summer H.T. ⚡️ Aiken, SC Website Advanced
6/26-27 🇺🇸Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. ⚡️ Allentown, NJ Website Advanced
6/24-27 🇺🇸Fox River Valley PC H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Barrington, IL Website CCI2*S/L
7/1-4 🇺🇸Twin Rivers Summer H.T. ⚡️ Paso Robles, CA Website Advanced
7/2-4 🇺🇸The Maryland International + H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Adamstown, MD Website CCI3*S, CIC2*S, CCI1*
7/9-11 🇨🇦Will O’Wind H.T. II ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Orangeville, ON Website CCI3*S, CCI2*S
7/16-18 🇺🇸Essex H.T. ⚡️ Far Hills, NJ Website Advanced
7/21-25 🇺🇸The Event at Rebecca Farm ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kalispell, MT Website CCI4*L/S, CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L, A
7/23-25 🇺🇸The Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. II ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Allentown, NJ Website CCI3*S, CCI2*S
7/24-25 🇨🇦 Oakhurst H.T. I ⭐️⭐️ Ashton, ON Website CCI2*S, CCI1*
8/5-8/8 🇺🇸Millbrook H.T. ⚡️ Millbrook, NY Website Advanced
8/6-8/8 🇺🇸 River Glen Summer H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ New Market, TN Website CCI1*, CCI2*S, CCI3*S
8/7-8 🇺🇸Fair Hill International H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Adamstown, MD Website CCI3*S
8/13-15 🇺🇸GMHA Festival of Eventing ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Woodstock, VT Website CCI2*S, CCI3*S
8/13-15 🇨🇦Bromont ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bromont, QB Website CCIO4*-NC-S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S
8/19-22 🇺🇸Great Meadow International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Plains, VA Website CCI4* S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S
8/28-29 🇺🇸 Five Points H.T. ⚡️ Raeford, NC Website Advanced
8/31-9/5 🇺🇸USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals ⚡️ Lexington, KY Website Advanced
9/2-9/5 🇨🇦Foshay International ⭐️⭐️ Jemseg, NB Website CCI2*L, CCI1*
9/4-9/5 🇺🇸Chattahoochee Hills H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fairburn, GA Website CCI3*S, CCI2*S, CCI1*L, A
9/10-12 🇺🇸Blue Ridge Mountain H.T. at TIEC ⚡️ Tryon, NC Website Advanced
9/10-12 🇺🇸Copper Meadows H.T. ⚡️ Ramona, CA Website Advanced
9/15-19 🇺🇸Unionville, PA, USA ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unionville, PA Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S
9/17-19 🇨🇦Bromont CCI-S Three Day Event ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bromont, QB Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S
9/17-19 🇺🇸Aspen Farms H.T. ⚡️ Yelm, WA Website Advanced
9/23-26 🇺🇸Twin Rivers Fall H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Paso Robles, CA Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, A
9/23-25 🇺🇸Stable View Oktoberfest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Aiken, SC, USA Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, CCI1*
10/1-3 🇨🇦Will O’Wind H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Orangeville, ON Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S
10/1-4 🇺🇸Spokane Sport Horse Fall H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spokane, WA Website CCI3*S, CIC2*S, CCI1*
10/7-10 🇺🇸Woodside International H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Woodside, CA Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, A
10/7-10 🇺🇸Morven Park H.T. & CCI ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leesburg, VA Website CCI4*L/S, CCI3*S/YH3*L, CCI2*S/YH2*L, A
10/9-11 🇺🇸The Event at Terra Nova ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Myakka City, FL Website CCI3*S, CCI2*S/L, CCI1*S
10/13-17 🇺🇸Maryland Five-Star at Fair Hill ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Elkton, MD Website CCI5*L, CCI3*L
10/14-18 🇺🇸Hagyard Midsouth 3DE & Team Challenge ⭐️⭐️ Lexington, KY Website CCI3*S/L, CCI2L*
10/16-17 🇺🇸Ocala Fall H.T. ⚡️ Ocala, FL Website Advanced
10/21-14 🇺🇸 WEC International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ocala, FL Website CCI4*S, CCI3*S, CCI2*S
10/30-31 🇺🇸Chattahoochee Hills H.T. ⚡️ Fairburn, GA Website Advanced
11/3-7 🇺🇸Galway Downs International ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Temecula, CA Website CCI4*L, CCI3*L, CCI2*L
10/28-31 🇺🇸VHT International & H.T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lexington, VA Website CCI3*L, CCI2*L, CCI3*S, CCI2*S, CCI1*
11/17-21 🇺🇸Tryon International 3-Day Event ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reddick, FL Website CCI4*L/S, CCI3*L, CCI2*L

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Feb 2, 2021 12:01 am -

Jim Wofford and Chinch share a moment. Photo via EN’s Instagram.

The Illinois Dressage & Combined Association is giving you the opportunity to pick the brain of expert rider and horseman Jimmy Wofford. On Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Central time, Eric Dierks will interview Jimmy via livestream which is open at all. Please be sure to register for the stream beforehand. [IDCTA Presents: A Live Stream with Jim Wofford]

National Holiday: National Groundhog Day

Events Opening This Week: Carolina International CCI and H.T., Ocala Winter II H.T., Pine Top Spring H.T., Southern Arizona H.T.

Events Closing This Week: Holland Eventing at Holly Berry Farm Young Event Horse, Rocking Horse Winter II Advanced H.T., Paradise Farm H.T.

Tuesday News:

Want even more insanity in the middle? Join our Patreon! With memberships as low as $5, you can get access to insider editorial details, and surprise details that you won’t want to miss. Sign up before 2/14 to get a EN Yeti mug or wine tumbler. [EN Patreon]

In celebration of Black History Month, SmartPak is sharing stories of riders and equestrians of color who are making an impact in our sport.  [SmartPak Celebrates Diversity]

What we’re listening to: The season can’t properly start without a base level of fitness for your horse, Nicole Brown, five-star eventer Sam Watson and FEI veterinarian Tim Randle gather to talk strength and conditioning in the latest USEA Podcast. [USEA Podcast #276: Horse Fitness: Building a Base]

Love working with your hands? Want to create some of the most impressive cross country fences in the country? Eric Bull is hiring. These guys work hard, but they’re loads of fun too. Only requirement: “Must love bulldozers, power tools and trucks – horse experience optional.” [Job Listing: Horse Jump Builder]

Tuesday Video: Cuteness to start your Tuesday

FE Lifestyle and his mini me Hank. Sound on for full effect 😂

Posted by Jennie Brannigan on Saturday, January 30, 2021