Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Aug 26, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Tik Maynard at #AEC2026


Two-time Road to the Horse champion Tik Maynard can be found at the American Eventing Championships this week, where he will be competing Desiderata at the Open Intermediate level — and has announced that you can also find him at several other appearances throughout the Kentucky Horse Park grounds and Lexington. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch and learn from this horsemanship expert!

Ride Times

  • Wed 8/25 — XC @ 2:03pm
  • Thu 8/26 — SJ @ 6:30pm

Book Signings

I Love My Horse: Trade Fair Booth #11, Main Vendor Row

  • Wed 8/25 @ 3:30pm
  • Thu 8/26 @ 11:00am
  • Fri 8/27 @ TBD

Follow @ilovemyhorseeventing for more info.

Clinic

Fri 8/28 – Sat 8/29 at Jen Walters’ West Wind Stables
4787 Haley Rd, Lexington, KY 40516

For more info, reach out to Jen directly at 859-552-1257

Lessons / Coaching

If you are at the AEC or stabled nearby and want some groundwork or behavioral help, email [email protected] for scheduling to set up a time to work with Tik. Nothing guaranteed, dependent on ride times and availability.

USEA AEC, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final, and ATC Finals (KY): [Website] [Schedule] [Program] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [USEA AEC App] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Major International Events This Weekend

Scone Palace International HT CCI4* (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

FEI Eventing European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors (SWE): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

US Events This Weekend

USEA AEC, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final, and ATC Finals (KY): [Website] [Schedule] [Program] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [USEA AEC App] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Equestrians’ Institute HT & Area VII Championships (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Seneca Valley PC HT (MD): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park HT and YEH Qualifier (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Stories from the AEC

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Yesterday’s News & Notes included the first episode of Noelle Floyd’s OTTB series featuring Tik Maynard and Dr. Yates, and today we bring you episode two! Tik and Dr. Yates compare the two experiences of buying an OTTB directly from the racetrack or working with a Thoroughbred rehoming organization, and explain how the horse’s location and stage of transition can affect what you are able to learn before purchasing:

Go Eventing

While USEA is hosting several cross-country course walks this week, here’s a quick, free lesson from Ruth Rosendaul and Hannah Hollberg on how not to ride cross country — what more could you ask for?

Your First Look at the 2026 Defender Burghley Cross Country Course

By on Aug 25, 2026 9:00 am -

Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry cross the Burghley flyover. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

This time next week we’ll be all eyes forward on Defender Burghley (Stamford, England) as the next five-star of the season celebrates its 65th running September 3-6. Yesterday, the official cross country course preview was released on Burghley TV, the official broadcast hub for the event, featuring Derek di Grazia and British sports presenter Rishi Persad taking a look at what our competitors will have in store for them over the weekend.

[Click here to access the full preview on Burghley TV, which does require a subscription but gives you access to archived content as well as the full coverage of this year’s event]

This year’s course will carry an optimum time of 11:20, with 28 numbered fences set across a total of 45 jumping efforts. This is right about on par with the 2025 track, which had an optimum time of 11:24. While the course this year will run in the same direction as 2025 (which, you may recall, was a switch-up after several years of running mostly counter clockwise), Derek has updated or otherwise changed all of the combinations for a new look and feel in comparison to last year.

“The combinations have all been changed, so it’s going to give the riders a new look, different exercises to do,” Derek says in the course preview. “Many of the single fences have been moved around, so I think it’s going to be quite a different a different course from what it was last year.”

Indeed, taking an early look at the preview video reveals that the combinations have all been rearranged, some of which look like they’ll present a larger challenge than they did last year (quite a few massive corners on very acute angles, for example). This includes a third element now added at the Boodles Raindance that will put the horses and riders on their toes within the first two minutes of leaving the box, a slightly shortened but very intense skinny brush to open corner combination at the Joules at the Maltings, and another big corner question that will be asked once the riders jump off the iconic Burghley Leaf Pit later on course.

We’ll of course have a more intensive preview for you coming next week once we’ve had a chance to go for a walk ourselves, but in the meantime you can sign up for Burghley TV here and access the preview at your convenience. CrossCountry App will also have the course preview on its app and website in due course.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries] [Timetable] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Aug 25, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: All the Happenings at the AEC

Today marks the start of the 2026 American Eventing Championships! This also means that, starting today, the hundreds of competitors throughout the Kentucky Horse Park have tons of activities and events to attend and learn from all week long.

Follow along with us here at EN and at useventing.com to get all the action. Check out some Fast Facts for the 2026 USEA AEC here, or listen in to the USEA Podcast for Everything You Need to Know about #AEC2026.

________________________

Learn from the Pros by joining a Cross-Country Course Walk at the AEC this week. Whether you need advice on a particular question on course or you just want one more rep around the Kentucky Horse Park, the USEA has planned a course walk for you with a top professional to help solidify your plan before the big day.

[Find all the AEC courses here in CrossCountry App]

At KHP for the AEC and ready to explore? Take part in the Scavenger Hunt, available exclusively in the USEA AEC mobile app throughout the week! Follow the prompts as you make your way around the grounds to discover landmarks, uncover fun facts, snap photos, and explore some of the unique features that make the AEC experience so special.

There are no points or prizes, so grab your friends, have some fun, and see how many challenges you can complete throughout the week! The Scavenger Hunt is all about exploring the AEC, discovering new things around the KHP, and making a few memories along the way.

[Download on the Apple Store] [Download on Google Play] [Join the AEC Competitor WhatsApp Group]

Calling all AEC competitors, grooms, volunteers, family, and fans — it’s time for Cartpool Karaoke!

Join the AEC Marketing Team for a ride around the Kentucky Horse Park, pick your song of choice and show off your karaoke skills along the way. Think you’re ready to take the mic? Sign up at the link below for the chance to grab a seat on the golf cart during AEC week!

[Click here to sign up]

And finally, for all those spectating or attending in support, sign up an open volunteer shift to help support the event and make it all possible.

[Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift]

Wishing the best of luck and best of rides to everyone at #AEC2026!

US Events Opening Entries Today

Morven Park International & Fall HT, US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final (VA); Poplar Place Farm October HT (GA); Redefined Equestrian HT (CO); The Event at Isaacks Ranch (NM)

US Events Closing Entries Today

The Fork at Tryon (NC); Otter Creek Fall HT (WI); Aspen Farm HT (WA); Flying Cross Farm HT (KY); GMHA September HT (VT); Marlborough HT (MD)

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Sometimes it’s pretty obvious something is painfully wrong with your horse and the veterinarian should be summoned. Other times mild clinical signs might accurately reflect a mild colic that easily and quickly responds to minimal management without a vet even seeing the horse. Then there are those times when mild clinical signs don’t indicate the severity of a problem that could result in death if treatment is delayed.

Do you know what to do — and just as importantly, what not to do — if your horse displays vague, mild, or serious signs of what might be colic? How do you handle the situation? Actions to take/avoid with your horse’s recovery plan? How to minimize the risk for colic in the first place?

Drs. Michael Fugaro, Amy Plummer Weatherly, and James Carmalt along with Kentucky Performance Products and TheHorse.com bring us 33 expert tips for Dealing with Equine Colic. From first signs to transport to surgical treatment, learn all about the do’s and don’ts for every step of your horse’s critical health process [here].

Training Tip of the Day

We’re bringing you the first in this OTTB series from Noelle Floyd+ featuring Tik Maynard and Dr. Yates, focusing specifically on the process of purchasing an OTTB yourself. Today’s video is discussing the team you should be building to evaluate, assess, understand, and make informed decisions:

Go Eventing

Join USEF’s Dr. Katie Flynn and the Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation’s Dr. Michelle Hollis to learn about the dangers of poor air quality and high heat for horses and humans, and what you can do to keep you and your equine partner safe:

Weekend Winners: Bouckaert, Five Points, Shepherd Ranch, Huntington, & Silverwood

By on Aug 24, 2026 3:15 pm -

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation!

We’re kicking off our new week with our recap from the weekend, celebrating all of our Weekend Winners! We’re still riding the excitement of this weekend, between a few different horse trials running across the country, including the 4* at Bouckaert, Area 1 Championships at Huntington, and more!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Natalie Deitcher and FE Uncle Ben, who won the Training/Novice at Shepherd Ranch on a 20.3!

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International CCI4*-S (GA): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond (41.3)
CCI 3*S: Alexandra Knowles and Tip Top Quality (40.0)
CCI 2*S: Michelle Mercier and Shirsheen Fun For All (35.7)
CCI 1*S: Sallie Johnson and Omar (55.6)
Advanced: Sara Beth Anton and Go Go (70.0)
Open Intermediate: Dan Kreitl and Hello King WD Z (41.7)
Open Preliminary: Michael Pollard and Kronberg (40.5)
Modified Rider: Allisa Huestis and Watch Maker C (48.8)
Open Modified: Waylon Roberts and Empire State of Mind (53.1)
Open Training: Leila Saxe and FE Elegance (21.8)
Training Rider: Kyla Lucas and Fernhill Next Star (38.5)
Novice Rider: Madelyne Warf and FE Steenken (33.4)
Open Novice: Elizabeth Zuelke and Fernhill Simba (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lara Markel and Sk8er Boi (26.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Maggie Carter and SS After Eight (31.5)

Five Points HT (NC): [Website][Scoring]

Advanced/Intermediate: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri (48.8)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Matt Crutchfield and Independer J W B (51.7)
Intermediate Rider: Brooke Kahl and Nata Montada SCF (62.9)
Open Intermediate: Susan Plumb and Bayou Bengel (34.7)
Open Preliminary: Emeline Gilbert and EWSZ Mozart (28.3)
Preliminary Rider: Heidi Siegmund and Ashwood HJ Leandro (32.7)
Modified – CT: Ava Davis and Zillara (45.9)
Modified Rider: Caroline Cooke and Cooley Easy Trip (40.7)
Open Modified: Zoe Crawford and Willbrook Brown Yeats (28.8)
Open Training: Gabby Dickerson and Impressively Cooley (25.3)
Training – CT: Katherine Thornton and Carlingford Castle (37.4)
Training Rider: Morgan Getchell and Fernhill Famous (31.8)
Novice Rider: Abigael Flannery and Beam Me Up Scotty (27.7)
Open Novice: Alex Martini and Levon (24.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Frances Hope and Lost at Sea (23.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Jasmine Hobart and Fuego de la Galerna (24.4)
Starter: Amelia Renkert-Thomas and Barana Cass (25.6)

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club HT II (CA): [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Andrea Baxter and The Big Easy (29.0)
Open Preliminary: Andrea Baxter and MBF Dig Deep (31.8)
Preliminary/Training: Erin Kellerhouse and DS Hashtag 32 (28.6)
Open Training: Lauren Urban and Kismet Klosterbrau (23.2)
Training Rider: Jen Boulden and Ava de La Luna (25.2)
Training/Novice: Natalie Deitcher and FE Uncle Ben (20.3)
Novice Rider: Angela Bryson and Petite Pavarotti (25.6)
Open Novice: Madeline Sexton and Arya Stark (22.1)
Novice/Beginner Novice: Charlee Marinovich and MBF First Class (35.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Maya Sertova and Blurred Lines (24.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Ronnie Cruz and Duble H (29.0)
Open Starter: Marie Thorne-Thomsen and Pippa of Solstice (35.6)
Grasshopper: Aimee Stadler and Sheza Memorable Asset (28.4)
Open Introductory: Isabella Rega and Mr. Rumba de Palma (24.4)

Huntington Farm HT & Area I Championships (VT): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Anna Loschiavo and Dallas (23.8)
Open Modified: Kristina Branco and Acacia GS (40.3)
Open Training: Caroline Teich and Kilrainey Glider (30.8)
Junior Novice: Leyla Sheldon and Mystic Hazzard (33.2)
Open Novice A: Anne DuHaime and Rossmores Invincible Spirit (31.9)
Open Novice B: Jennifer Fitch and Caraways Daireing Romance (28.9)
Junior Beginner Novice: Harper Hathorn and Brady (50.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Jessica Rockett and Bubblelicious SRH (33.8)
Open Starter: Sadie Heaton and Dealin Diamonds (29.4)
Beginner Novice – Championships A: Donna White and Celestial Bliss (27.2)
Beginner Novice – Championships B: Andrea Sobolov and SYP Rising Flaire (23.8)
Modified – Championships: Emma Cross and Raise the Bounty (38.1)
Novice – Championships A: Hannah Lowin and Jonathan Swift (22.9)
Novice – Championships B: Leeci Rowsell and Fortino (23.2)
Preliminary – Championships: Darrah Alexander and Mosstown HSH (33.3)
Starter – Championships: Anna Estes and Dazzle Me Duke (24.1)
Training – Championships: Sarah Falk and Mighty Finn (28.8)

Silverwood Farm HT (WI): [Website][Scoring]

Open Training: Allyssa Engels and Colluding (39.2)
Novice – Amateur: Jessica Milam and Lieutenant Dan (31.5)
Novice – Junior: Bekah Laughlin and B Dreamer (27.3)
Open Novice: Andrea Reed and Quick Romance (37.9)
Beginner Novice – Amateur: Burny Todd-Smith and Better Option (35.0)
Beginner Novice – Junior: Abigail Forsythe and MMF Winston (38.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Andrea Comstock and Elusive Motion (30.6)
Introductory: Keyton Hand and Little Olympia (34.7)
Open Starter: Rachel Burke and Highly Unlikely (24.7)
Starter – Amateur: Jessica Zaleski and Sailor Song (34.5)
Starter – Junior: Madilynn ONeil and General krymsun (35.9)

GB Rising Lions and Team USA to Face Off at Inaugural Blenheim Challenge

By on Aug 24, 2026 9:00 am -

An exciting new competition challenge is in the works for Blenheim Palace International (September 17-20)! Building off the success of the GB Rising Lions program, which provides support and mentorship for developing riders within the British system and saw a team of riders compete in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky earlier this year, the squad will now face off with U.S. riders in the CCI4*-L division at Blenheim.

The Blenheim Challenge will run as part of the main CCI4*-L class, however in each phase individual riders from the two teams will be drawn against each other, with the best score from each match up winning a point for their team. The competition will come with a £50,000 prize fund, with both the riders and their grooms to benefit from this.

Riders invited to represent the Rising Lions and the U.S. Stars & Stripes will be announced soon, so keep an eye out for more information coming soon.

Monday News & Notes from Equine Discounts

By on Aug 24, 2026 12:01 am -

All competitors get a chance to show jump in the big Rolex Stadium at AEC. Photo by Tina Fitch for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Happy USEA American Eventing Championships week! We’re excited to be heading straight from one championship to the next, this time celebrating horses and riders across all National levels of eventing at the Kentucky Horse Park. EN’s Sally Spickard is heading to the Horse Park this week to bring you coverage of the Adequan Advanced Championship as well as other missives both here on EN as well as on our social media platforms. We’d like to specifically shout out Ride EquiSafe and FreeJump USA for their support of our coverage this week — both of whom will be on site in the vendor fair, so be sure to stop by and show them some love.

In the meantime, here are some useful resources to use for following along:

Entries & Ride Times
Competition Schedule
H&C+ Live Stream
Official Photographer
Official Program
Official AEC App
Competitor WhatsApp Group
Volunteer Opportunities
More Competitor Need to Know

Major International Events This Weekend

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International CCI4*-S (GA): [Website] [Scores]

Saulieu Terre de Complet CCI4*-S (FRA): [Website] [Scores]

US Events This Weekend

Five Points HT (NC): [Website] [Scores]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club HT II (CA): [Website] [Scores]

Huntington Farm HT & Area I Championships (VA): [Website] [Scores]

Silverwood Farm HT (WI): [Website] [Scores]

Other Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Save BIG with Equine Discounts

Enjoy up to 25% OFF BIG ASS FANS!

Whether you have an equine facility, barns, an arena and/or residential needs, our experts are here to make your life easier, more comfortable, and less expensive. USEF/USEA members are eligible for up to 25% off Big Ass Fans!

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Save big all year long with Equine Discounts here

Training Tip of the Day

Let’s continue with our training tips from Kai-Steffen Meier (we shared Part 1 of this series in our Sunday Links yesterday) and work on introducing skinny fences to your horse:

Go Eventing

Snapshots of Aachen from individual fourth-place finisher and team bronze medalist Will Coleman:

Sunday Links

By on Aug 23, 2026 12:01 am -

Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond, shown here competing at Virginia earlier this year. Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.

Kim Severson is the latest US Equestrian Open qualifier winner, taking home the CCI4*-S title at Bouckaert Farm (Georgia) yesterday. She and Cooley Corraghy Diamond (owned by Ros and Bill Johnson) earned a first-phase lead that they never relinquished, ending the weekend with a clear cross country and on a score of 41.3. Allie Knowles continues to shine with her strong string of rising talent, taking the other two podium spots with MBF Starburst (winner of the 2024 USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championship at Morven Park as a seven-year-old) and LS Crown Royal, both of whom are owned by Katherine O’Brien. We’re likely to see many of these pairs heading to the Open Final at Morven Park (October 8-11).

Full results from Bouckaert Farm can be found here.

Major International Events This Weekend

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International CCI4*-S (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Saulieu Terre de Complet CCI4*-S (FRA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

US Events This Weekend

Five Points HT (NC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club HT II (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Huntington Farm HT & Area I Championships (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Silverwood Farm HT (WI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Jumping fences on an angle is a key component of cross country riding. In this part of a series, Belgium’s Kai-Steffen Meier breaks down the beginnings of introducing this concept:

Go Eventing

Something a little different on CrossCountry App this week: an overview of the FEI Driving World Championships marathon course!

Saturday Links from Morven Park International

By on Aug 22, 2026 12:01 am -

Coming soon: Entries are opening this coming week (August 25, to be specific) for the Morven Park Fall International CCI & H.T. + US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final taking place October 8-11 in Leesburg, VA! We’re pleased to kick off another season assisting Morven Park’s efforts for this marquee event, and it’s one you won’t want to miss out on as a rider or a spectator.

Morven Park will host divisions ranging from CCI1*-S up through CCI4*-L, and the schedule also includes the USEA/USEF Developing Horse National Championships at the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S levels.

You can learn more about the event’s competition offerings here. If you’re wanting to start planning your trip to Morven Park in any capacity, start here.

Major International Events This Weekend

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International CCI4*-S (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Saulieu Terre de Complet CCI4*-S (FRA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

US Events This Weekend

Five Points HT (NC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club HT II (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Huntington Farm HT & Area I Championships (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Silverwood Farm HT (WI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Check that stirrup length!

Go Eventing

We love a social media trend:

US Equestrian Announces Phillip Dutton as USEF Eventing Development Program Advisor

By on Aug 21, 2026 4:33 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Denim. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton has been appointed the USEF Eventing Development Program Advisor. Dutton will join in the advisory role under the continued leadership of USEF Eventing High Performance Manager and Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law, and report to US Equestrian’s Managing Director of Eventing, Amber Braun. Dutton is set to begin the role this month.

Law, who previously held the position of USEF Development Coach for over a decade, is looking forward to Dutton’s added advisement in supporting the vision and performance strategy of the Development 25 and Development programs, as part of the USEF Eventing Pathway.

“The selection of Phillip in this new role carries a level of excitement and promise for an even brighter future for our Development and Development 25 programs. I believe with the combined experience of myself, Karyn, and Phillip, the U.S. will have an even stronger pipeline of combinations progressing up the levels. Consistency and excellence, both demonstrated and expected, are the qualities that will bring the U.S. to where we are aiming over the next two quadrennials,” said Leslie Law, USEF Eventing High Performance Manager and Chef d’Equipe.

“I’m really excited to begin as USEF Eventing Development Program Advisor. I think the U.S. has a big and bright future ahead, with some very talented up-and-coming athletes and horses. I’m looking forward to working with this group to help develop strong team combinations for our programs and country. While I still hope to contribute to the programs with my own riding career, this role offers a great opportunity to build on the success of the Development and Development 25 programs and give back to the next generation of eventing in the U.S.,” said Phillip Dutton.

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Aug 21, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Nominate Your Heroes for the 2026 Horse & Hound Awards

Ros Canter, winner of the Professional Rider of the Year at last year’s Horse & Hound Awards. Photo by Phil Barker/Horse & Hound.

Horse & Hound has officially opened nominations for the 11th Annual Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria. The prestigious awards celebrate both world-class champions and the unsung heroes who form the backbone of the equestrian community. 

Following the 2025 campaign in which some 114,500 public votes were cast, the 2026 event will culminate in a glittering ceremony at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire on 25 November. Around 300 guests — including World Championship athletes, industry leaders and grassroots champions — will gather for the BAFTA-style awards evening. 

Previous winners include Ros Canter (Professional Rider of the Year), Jagerbomb (Dressage Horse of the Year), Rachel Proudley (Young Rider of the Year), Stoneleigh Showtime (Show Horse of the Year), and Jane Holderness-Roddam, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

“We’re so delighted to bring the awards back in 2026 and, as always, we thank our partners NAF and Agria, as well as all the individual category award sponsors,” said Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief Sarah Jenkins.

“We’re always excited to receive your nominations — it’s great fun reading all your stories. The awards are so special because they celebrate the obvious stars of the year — winners and medallists — but also hidden heroes, from horses who make their owners’ lives better to people who make it possible for others to succeed or enjoy their horses.” 

Eloise Chugg, UK sponsorship and events manager for NAF, shared: “We’re delighted to support the Horse & Hound Awards alongside Agria and to put our

name to the new Unsung Partnership category, celebrating the extraordinary bonds between horses and people at the heart of our community. Through everyday care, every challenge and every step forward, these partnerships remind us that sometimes, horses really are all you need.” 

Vicki Wentworth, CEO of Agria UK, added: “Few events bring together and celebrate the equestrian community quite like the Horse & Hound Awards, which is why we’re so pleased to be returning as joint headline sponsor and presenting the Agria Horse of a Lifetime Award once again. 

“Since the award was launched, we’ve been privileged to celebrate some truly remarkable horses, from Emma, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Fell pony, to last year’s winner, Hovis, whose story captured the hearts of horse lovers across the country. Yet for many owners, the most important horse in the world is simply the one that changed their life. That’s what this award is all about, recognising those once-in-a-lifetime horses whose impact is never forgotten.” 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Horse & Hound (@horseandhound)


Key Award Dates and How to Nominate

Nominations for the 2026 awards close at 5pm on 10 September and can be made at horseandhound.co.uk/awards. The shortlists for voting will be unveiled in Horse & Hound’s 8 October issue, with voting closing on 16 October. The official awards report will run in the 3 December issue. 

Awards Categories:

  • D&H Elite Sport Dressage Horse of the Year 
  • Event Horse of the Year 
  • Showjumping Horse of the Year 
  • Show Horse of the Year 
  • Agria Horse of a Lifetime 
  • NAF Unsung Partnership of the Year 
  • Professional Rider of the Year 
  • Amateur Rider of the Year 
  • Young Rider of the Year 
  • Absorbine Groom of the Year 
  • Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year 
  • Spillers Horse Feeds Riding School of the Year 
  • Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award 

Major International Events This Weekend

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International CCI4*-S (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Saulieu Terre de Complet CCI4*-S (FRA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

US Events This Weekend

Five Points HT (NC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club HT II (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Huntington Farm HT & Area I Championships (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Silverwood Farm HT (WI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

You’ve seen us repping the USAWE Recognized Working Equitation Show at Stable View all summer, so take a look at the fun that went down! Keep an eye out @stableviewaiken for more fun events like these year-round.

Training Tip of the Day

Our friends at Noelle Floyd have brought us a 5-part series on the start-to-finish OTTB purchasing process — Episode 1 is all about building your team:

Go Eventing

Watch the intro to USEF’s new Horses Are Everything campaign: