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LA28 Olympic Games Equestrian Timetable Confirmed

By Sally Spickard on Nov 13, 2025 9:00 am -

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

With just under three years to go before the Olympic Games return to Los Angeles, the LA28 Organizing Committee has revealed the official competition schedule for all sports, including the three Olympic equestrian disciplines (eventing, show jumping and dressage). Eventing will once again kick off the equestrian sports, beginning on July 14, 2028 (the same day as the Opening Ceremony) and wrapping up with medal day on July 18.

The LA28 schedule has been carefully crafted with one essential factor in mind: heat. Recognizing the intensity of Southern California’s summer climate, organizers have prioritized the wellbeing of horses and riders by designing a schedule that avoids the most punishing heat of the day and builds in rest and recovery periods between major phases. Arcadia, CA — the city that hosts Santa Anita Park — sees an average temperature of around 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28-29 degrees Celsius) with around a 65+% humidity factor. This puts the city sort of in the middle in terms of weather among the most recent Olympic venues of Tokyo (an 84 degree F average with a much higher humidity index in the 80s) and Paris (which sees somewhat milder temperatures and similar humidity ratings to this area of Southern California).

“It is well balanced and mindful of horse and athlete welfare,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos of the timetable, highlighting the inclusion of three designated rest days across the equestrian schedule. “It also permits for adjustments in the event of unforeseen circumstances.”

The equestrian events will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, just northeast of Los Angeles, marking a return to a familiar venue from the 1984 Olympics. Initially, Galway Downs in Temecula, CA was to host the equestrian disciplines until a late venue swap saw the Games go with Santa Anita, which in addition to racing now also hosts some CSI5* show jumping competitions.

The eventing competition will unfold over five days:

July 14: First horse inspection

July 15–16: Dressage (morning starts, 9:00 AM local time)

July 17: Cross country — timing TBD, but expected to avoid peak midday heat

July 18: Show jumping + Team and Individual medals awarded

Of note as well and with little fanfare, this also confirms (from what we can tell, at least) that the format of the eventing competition will remain the same as it has been. You’ll recall there was a proposal on the table to change the format so that cross country would be the final phase. This stemmed from a desire to make the sport as commercially palatable and spectator-friendly as possible, but it appears that this will not be the case given this timetable.

Competition days are spaced out with three non-competition days (July 19, 23, and 27) built into the overall schedule. These buffer days will provide horses time to recover and rest.

Course design will also be in expert hands. Alec Lochore (GBR) will shape the eventing cross country course, assisted by Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR), while Alan Wade (IRL) returns to design jumping courses for both the show jumpers and the eventers.

With 16 days of equestrian competition planned from July 14–29, 200 athlete quota places, six medal events, and Santa Anita confirmed as the equestrian hub, LA28 is shaping up to be a benchmark Games for Olympic equestrian sport. Clear your calendars for mid-July 2028 — the road to gold begins in the California sunshine.

📝 For the full provisional LA28 Olympic equestrian schedule, click here (subject to change as we approach Games-time).
📝 For more information on tickets, click here.
📝 For more information on volunteering, click here.

Thursday News & Notes

By Eventing Nation on Nov 13, 2025 1:01 am -

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The stage is set for the final Long format of the year, taking place this week at The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL). It’ll be a perfect way to cap off the year under sunny skies and some great entries to watch at this beautiful venue.

There is a live stream this week, and it can be accessed via USEF Network on ClipMyHorse TV here. There is also typically a feed on TerraNova’s website here, but we’ll correct this if it’s wrong. For information on connecting your USEF account (which includes free Fan accounts) and access to the livestream that way, click here.

This afternoon we’ll see the first pairs in the CCI4*-L starting at 3:25 p.m. EST. Dressage for the 4* divisions continues Friday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST with the CCI4*-S and continuing at 11:15 a.m. EST with the remainder of the CCI4*-L. The 4*-S will also show jump at 3:20 p.m. EST. Saturday is cross country day for these divisions, but will start with the 3*-L at 9:00 a.m. EST, followed by the 4*-L at 11:20 a.m., the 4*-S at 1:00 p.m. and the 2*-L to close out the day starting at 2:20 p.m. To conclude things on Sunday, the Long formats will show jump, starting with the 3*-L at 10:00 a.m. EST, then the 4*-L at noon.

You can view the full schedule (which is subject to change — be sure to reference official schedules on site and on Event Entries for the most up to date information) on Event Entries here.

U.S. Weekend Events

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Ram Tap Classic Three-Day & H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

There’s another live feed you might want to tune in for this weekend, and that’s the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final, which is happening at Desert International Horse Park (Thermal, CA). The competitors in the Final will jog their horses today, and then the Grand Prix takes place on Friday starting at 7:45 p.m. EST. The Freestyle final round will take place Saturday starting at 7:45 p.m. EST. Don’t forget, one of our own eventers is competing in this Final in Laine Ashker with Ann Wilson’s Zeppelin. You can follow along live here, and you can also find scores, orders of go and more here.

The eventing community isn’t just about launching riding careers. Other paths exist alongside, and media pro Izzy McSwain is one example of this. After riding with the University of Kentucky’s Intercollegiate Eventing team, she found herself pulled towards creative work and eventually got the opportunity of a lifetime to manage a growing social media effort for Equestrian Events, Inc., the organizers of events like Defender Kentucky. She’s ridden the wave ever since, and you’ve probably watched at least 10 videos she’s edited this year. Read more about Izzy here.

Longines Luhmühlen, the German CCI5*, has a new cross country building on board to support designer Mike Etherington-Smith for 2026. Christian Zehe will now be responsible for the construction of the courses, which since 2010 had been the task of David Evans and his team. Read more here.

Video Break

More Toledo de Kerser best life content:

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Joanie Morris Appointed Chief Operating Officer of Aiken Horse Park Foundation

By Sally Spickard on Nov 12, 2025 9:30 am -

Matt Brown and Super Socks BCF with Joanie Morris. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Joanie Morris is no stranger to wearing a lot of hats, and now she’s adding another big one. The Aiken Horse Park Foundation has officially named Joanie as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 2026, where she’ll take the reins on day-to-day operations at Bruce’s Field (which, you’ll recall, plays host to one of our favorite events here at EN: the annual Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase!). Her mission? To keep elevating the experience at one of Aiken’s premier equestrian venues while honoring the legacy of its visionary founder, R. Bruce Duchossois, whom she also knew and worked with personally earlier in her career.

Joanie has seen the sport from just about every angle: as a rider, a groom, USEF high-performance team manager, event organizer, and more recently, as an all-around ops queen behind some of the sport’s biggest events such as the MARS Maryland 5 Star and Maryland International. She was instrumental in launching the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field and has been part of the Aiken community since the late ‘90s — long before “destination eventing” was even a thing.

“Seeing Bruce’s Field evolve is a testament to Bruce’s vision and to the leadership that has carried it forward,” Joanie said in a press release announcing the hire. “It’s a privilege to join the team in a full-time capacity, and I look forward to supporting the Foundation’s continued growth and contributing to the high standard of excellence that defines this venue.”

Joanie spent over a decade at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), where she helped shape everything from Olympic logistics to Junior and Young Rider Championships. After leaving USEF in 2019, she didn’t slow down—she jumped straight into roles with the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, the Virginia Horse Center, and the Maryland International Horse Trials, all while working as a field agent for Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

“She brings a depth of operational expertise that will strengthen our internal systems and long-term planning,” said AHPF CEO Tara Bostwick of Joanie. “Her national and international experience, coupled with her long history with Bruce’s Field, will elevate the quality, consistency, and guest experience across all of our events.”

Joanie will work to transition out of her current roles through 2026 before stepping fully into her leadership role at Bruce’s Field. We can’t wait to see her bring that signature blend of organization, vision, and horse-girl hustle to one of the sport’s most beloved venues.

Wednesday News & Notes

By Eventing Nation on Nov 12, 2025 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of Hannah Maloney / USEA.

Welcome to Area VIII, Tennessee! Some changes are coming to the USEA Area map: beginning with the 2026 competition season, Tennessee will officially join Area VIII, departing its longtime home in Area III. The shift, spearheaded by eventing advocates like Cathy Wieschhoff and supported by organizers such as Bill Graves of River Glen Horse Trials, reflects what many grassroots riders and organizers have felt for years: that Tennessee’s geography, eventing style, and rider base align more naturally with its northern neighbors. The move opens new doors for eventers in the region, including expanded Young Rider opportunities, the potential for Area Championships at additional venues like River Glen, which can host levels up to Intermediate, and a calendar that aligns with the interests of those in Tennessee and beyond. You can read more on this development here.

U.S. Weekend Events

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Ram Tap Classic Three-Day & H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

The equestrian community has come together in a powerful show of support for UK rider and trainer Catherine Robinson, who was left permanently blind after a young horse struck her in the face while lunging. Despite the traumatic accident, which caused extensive facial fractures and irreparable damage to her optic nerves, Catherine’s first instinct upon waking in the hospital was to dream big: “I’m going to go to the Paralympics.” A fundraiser set up by her “right-hand woman,” Melissa Stone, has already raised over £90,000 to support her recovery and rehabilitation. You can read the full story and donate here.

The 2025 Monart Sale, which features some top-quality and purpose-bred three-year-old horses each year, is in the books — and the top seller is heading to the U.S.! Joe Pagan, founder of Kentucky Equine Research, purchased MBF Santuro. Bred by MBF Sporthorses and boasting bloodlines by L’Extreme BH (a Canturo son) out of a Casall mare, MBF Santuro impressed with his conformation and movement. He’ll stay in Ireland to be started before heading stateside next summer to begin his eventing career (and Joe is still deciding on which rider will start and produce the horse, so we’ll be waiting eagerly to find out!). With a 73% clearance rate and international buyers spanning from Argentina to Sweden, Monart reported strong demand and rising average prices, marking another successful edition of the all-three-year-old auction. You can view the full sale results here — and don’t forget that the Goresbridge ‘Go For Gold’ Sale kicks off today at 3 p.m. GMT / 10:00 a.m. EST — you can register to bid and view the auction here.

After a devastating January pipe burst flooded the Ontario Veterinary College’s Large Animal Hospital, the equine community responded with extraordinary speed and generosity. The only 24/7 equine surgical facility in Ontario was forced to shut down its operating and recovery suites, but staff set up an emergency facility within 36 hours, performing their first surgery just three days later. Thanks to community support and over $130,000 in donations (and counting), the crisis became a catalyst for long-overdue renovations. One operating room is already back in action, with another reopening soon. You can read the full story on the community united here.

Video Break

Feeling a little out of alignment after a weekend in the saddle? Or maybe you feel like your horse isn’t as flexible as you’d like? This week’s Ask an Expert guest, Dr. Jillian Johnson DC, AVCA, knows the feeling – literally. As a chiropractor who specializes in equestrians and their mounts, she’s here to share how proper alignment, posture, and body awareness can make a world of difference in your ride as well as your everyday life. From stiff hips to sore backs, we’re cracking open all things chiropractic (pun intended).

Dr. Jillian has a passion for helping animals and their people, with a special interest in performance optimization in competition animals. With aspirations of being an animal chiropractor since she was 9 years old, she was lucky enough to find her purpose young. She’s spent her life honing her skills and working towards building a place that connected human and animal wellness to optimize teamwork. Dr. Jillian has a B.S from Texas A&M University, Chiropractic Physician Doctorate, and is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. In 2016, she opened Farmhouse Chiropractic, a busy and thriving practice located in Ocala, Florida.

FEI Unveils First Hosts for New U25 World Championship Coming in 2026

By Sally Spickard on Nov 11, 2025 9:00 am -

Piggy March and the ex-racehorse Our Old Fella. Photo courtesy of Cornbury Horse Trials.

The FEI’s newest addition to the eventing championship calendar, the Under-25 Eventing World Championship, has officially found its first two homes. Millstreet International Horse Trials in Ireland will debut the CCI4*-S competition in 2026 (July 22-26), and Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, England, has been awarded the 2027 edition, set to run from September 8–12.

This championship was created to address a longstanding gap in the development pathway between the Young Rider level (typically held at CCI3*-L) and Senior international competition (CCI4*-L and above). Initially proposed at a CCI3*-L level, the new championship received robust feedback from several national federations, who advocated for the format to be held at CCI4*-S instead to better prepare riders for the demands of senior teams. Those calls were heeded, and the final format now aligns with the Long format: dressage, cross country, then show jumping.

The eligibility rules for the new U25 Championship sparked considerable discussion during its development, particularly around whether athletes could also compete in other FEI championships in the same year. The original draft would have blocked U25 riders from participating in any other FEI championship that year — an approach many federations felt was too limiting. Following feedback, the final rule was revised to strike a better balance: those entered in the U25 Championship are now permitted to also compete at the Senior Championship level within the same year. They cannot, however, compete in both Pony/Junior/Young Rider Championships and the U25 Worlds in the same year.

Kevin McNab (AUS) and Faro Imp (OL) – winner of the CCI4*-S – Connollys RED MILLS at Millstreet. Photo by Bit-Media.

Millstreet, set in the spectacular Green Glens Arena and featuring sprawling parkland cross country of County Cork, is a venue that last staged a major championship in 2017 when the Duggans hosted the FEI Junior and Young Rider Europeans. Director Thomas Duggan sees the U25 Championship as both a celebration and a proving ground: “It has long been felt that it’s a big step up from Young Riders to a Senior Championship. This new concept, which is open to the world, should provide a valuable experience and an exciting competition for talented under-25 riders.” The venue will also maintain its regular spring fixture, with CCI-S classes running May 28–31, 2026.

In 2027, the world’s top under-25s will head to the meticulously run Cornbury House Horse Trials, which has rapidly built a reputation as one of Britain’s most polished venues for top sport. The event, held at David Howden’s private estate, has placed youth development at the heart of its mission since its inception. Alongside the U25 World Championship, Cornbury 2027 will also feature the British Eventing Young Horse Championships and under-21 divisions, creating a powerful celebration of the sport’s rising stars.

“I am absolutely thrilled that Cornbury House has been awarded the 2027 Under-25 World Championships,” said David in a press release. “So much of what we have created here is about nurturing the next generation—be it young riders or young horses—and this feels like the perfect fit.” He noted Cornbury’s unique combination of world-class competition conditions, hospitality, and support from a growing network of global sponsors, which will also help cover travel expenses for horses coming from emerging eventing nations.

Inclusivity, David noted, was also top of mind for this project, and indicated that financial support will be available to assist riders in making the trip. “We are very keen to promote inclusivity within eventing, symbolized by a great diversity of nations represented without compromising competitive quality,” he said. “With assistance from our global network of sponsors, we aim to assist with travel costs for horses from emerging eventing nations.”

Rosie Williams, chief executive of British Eventing, called the selection “a wonderful recognition of David Howden and his team’s vision and investment in supporting the next generation of eventing talent.” She also highlighted a wider legacy focus: “Alongside the championship, we will deliver an exciting programme designed to promote and train young officials, helping to inspire and equip the future leaders of our sport.”

US Equestrian has also indicated that it will be targeting this event, and it stands as a top opportunity for further development of tomorrow’s Olympic and World Championship riders. Now, which venue in the U.S. would best suit to host this new World Championship?

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By Eventing Nation on Nov 11, 2025 12:01 am -

Piggy March and Halo. Photo by Athalens.

Belsay Horse Trials is leveling up in 2026! After an impressively executed double-header this spring, including a pop-up CCI4*-S to replace Chatsworth, organizers have confirmed that Belsay will now permanently host international classes at CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, and CCI1* levels. The 2026 edition will run May 15–17, taking over the historical weekend formerly held by Chatsworth and Floors Castle. Piggy March and Halo topped the inaugural CCI4*-S this year, and with Belsay’s growing profile and Adrian Ditcham-designed cross country, it’s shaping up to be a key prep stop for top UK combinations heading to Aachen, Luhmühlen, and Bramham. We’re already marking our calendars! More information can be found here.

Catch up with cross country course designer Adrian Ditcham to see what’s in store for 2026:

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U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

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U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA)

News & Reading

With her top-15 Pau finish last month, Emily Hamel completed all six Northern Hemisphere CCI5* events with her horse of a lifetime, Corvett. The USEA caught up with Emily to reflect on the milestone achievement, which was truthfully never really on her list of “things to do.” And has she ruled out a trip Down Under to contest the seventh 5* in the world at Adelaide? Find out here.

In the latest installment of The Chronicle of the Horse‘s “Ask Stable Sage” column, one reader writes in with a raw and relatable question: What does one do when they’ve lost their nerve, post-baby? Does that “nerve” come back? What follows is one of the most compassionate, clear-eyed responses we’ve read on the subject of postpartum identity shifts, rewritten instincts, and the bravery it takes just to get back in the saddle, both emotionally and literally. If you’ve ever questioned your confidence after becoming a parent (or frankly, at any point in life), this one’s worth your coffee break and you can read it here.

Ever wondered how much it costs to clone a horse, or whether clones can compete at the Olympics? Horse & Hound’s Polly Bryan has you covered with a fascinating breakdown of equine cloning, from pricing (hint: you’ll need around $85K) to famous cases like Chilli Morning’s cloned sons and Gem Twist’s genetic twins. Whether you’re into bloodline preservation, rare breed rescue, or just want to know if cloned horses share the same white markings (spoiler: they don’t), this one’s full of cloning curiosities. Read it here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

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Did you know? Extra hay keeps horses warm in cold weather! A sedentary mature horse will need 2% more high-quality forage for every degree the temperature falls below the lower critical temperature. (For clipped horses, the critical temperature is 41°F (5°C). For horses with a thick winter coat, critical temperature is 18°F (-8°C)). Small or older horses will be less tolerant of cold temperatures.

Find more tips like this from Kentucky Performance Products here.

Video Break

Preview an exclusive interview with European Champion Laura Collett, coming your way soon via British Eventing:

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Weekend Winners: Majestic Oaks, River Glen, Fleur de Leap, & Full Moon Farm

By Gillian Warner on Nov 10, 2025 12:30 pm -

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! The weather might be increasingly chilly, but we’re still seeing eventers braving the elements to enjoy weekends out with their equine partners!

Congrats to all of our successful outings at Majestic Oaks, River Glen, Fleur de Leap, and Full Moon Farm! We’re giving a shout out to our Weekend Winners here, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Rachel McDonough and Boston Jack, who scored a 19.4 in the Open Beginner Novice HT at Full Moon Farm!

H.T. at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website][Scores]

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CT CCI 1*S: Clare VanderWoude and Hindine (35.8)
Open Preliminary: Shannon Lilley and Pearlyville (31.4)
Preliminary Rider: Tessa Geven and Ameristan (33.7)
Open Modified: Lauren Nicholson and Clarimilo (26.4)
Training Rider: Hannah Pizzie and Papa Pablo (31.0)
Open Training: Robin Walker and DHI Milan (20.0)
Novice Rider: Katie Szewczyk and Van Dusen (30.8)
Open Novice: Kimmy Cecere and Fernhill Candy Time (23.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Rachel Priester and Cash (28.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Kimmy Cecere and CLF Zevas Mystery (25.9)
Starter-Intro: Victoria Sudkamp and Pretty Boy Red (26.0)

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River Glen Fall H.T. (TN): [Website][Scores]

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Open Intermediate: Jodie Potts and Wapiti Byrd (74.2)
Open Preliminary: Claire Maloney and Phoenyx (40.0)
Open Modified: Nikki Burns and Zambian (39.5)
Open Training Jr: Abigail Walker and The Optimist (31.6)
Open Training Sr: Dan Kreitl and Hello King WD Z (27.9)
Novice Rider Jr: Suzanna Hall and Carlingford Wells (29.2)
Novice Rider Sr: Ashley Hudson and Figlio (32.8)
Open Novice: Amanda Richard and Volante CPF (26.7)
BNovice Rider: Olivia Palmer and Sir Edward (29.3)
Open BNovice: Anabelle Friend and Best Cause (29.4)
Open Starter Jr: Noemi Ledeczi and Chasing Foxes (23.7)
Open Starter Sr: Trudy Lonesky and Symphony Dansee (27.9)

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Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA): [Website][Scores]

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Training: Amanda Chedville and Gin Fizz (48.1)
Novice: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (25.7)
Training/Novice: Makenzie Stewart and True Emperor (61.8)
Beginner Novice JR: Caroline Vardeman and Flight School (29.1)
Beginner Novice SR: Laura Ayres and Secret (26.9)
Introductory: Rebecca Stewart and Mr. GQ (31.0)
Starter JR: Kennadi Terry and Kid Lemon Dees (Logan) (38.7)
Starter SR: Claire Chustz and Special EFXX (23.7)

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Full Moon Farm Fall H.T. (MD): [Website][Scores]

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Modified/Training – Open: Julie Nelson and Mi Padrino (34.8)
Open Training HT: Madi Simpson and Fernhill Chaos (37.9)
Open Novice HT A: Christine Ann Hryzak and Sheeran (34.2)
Open Novice HT B: Ryan Hall and Quality Gem (30.1)
Training/Novice – Open: Christine Ehlers and Cloudy Times (34.4)
Beginner Novice Horse HT: Alyssa Schmitt and Ruca (35.9)
Beginner Novice Rider HT A: Alexandra Whitehead and Avant Garde (32.9)
Beginner Novice Rider HT B: Claire McMillan and RVR Coldstone (28.5)
Novice/Beginner Novice – Open: Kelsey Klein and Simply Starbucks (39.7)
Open Beginner Novice HT: Rachel McDonough and Boston Jack (19.4)
Open Beginner Novice CT: Dylan Allen and A Dozen Roses (58.8)
Open Starter HT A: Abigail McEwen and Paloma (27.0)
Open Starter HT B: Katrina Davis and Paint Misbehavin’ (29.0)
Beginner Novice/Starter – Open: Katie Geiger and The Original Rumpshaker (55.8)
Open Novice CT: Carla Lindsay and Take Note (35.3)
Open Pre-Starter A: Colleen Ritter and Yellowstone (Teddy) (26.9)
Open Pre-Starter B: Lacey Christianson and King Congo (31.6)
Open Poles: Kathleen Monti and Ghost of You (37.5)
PreStarter/Poles – Open: Hailey Andrew and Gracie (33.4)
Pre-Starter CT: Mary Greenberg and FMF Zena (31.9)
Starter/PreStarter – Open: Kay Pfaff and Chalk (32.7)

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Waylon Roberts Wins Record Ninth Indoor Eventing Challenge at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show

By Edited Press Release on Nov 10, 2025 9:30 am -

Waylon Roberts and Lakeside Park. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Waylon Roberts of Port Perry, ON, broke his own record with a remarkable ninth win in the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge on Saturday evening, November 8, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Roberts had only ridden his winning mount, Lakeside Park, for the first time 48 hours prior to Saturday night’s final. Roberts was sitting second after the opening round on Friday, nipping at the heels of leader Holly Jacks of Hillsburgh, ON. He made good use of the up-and-coming talent of Lakeside Park, an eight-year-old Canadian-bred Thoroughbred gelding owned by Penny Rowland, to go penalty free again on Saturday and finish on a combined winning time of 186.29 seconds.

Waylon Roberts of Port Perry, ON, riding Lakeside Park claimed a record ninth win in the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge on Saturday, November 8, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

The Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge is a title Roberts last won—for a record eighth time on that occasion—in 2015. This year, he was hopeful but set few expectations.

“I was only trying to do right by Penny, but what a horse,” he said of the horse regularly ridden by fellow Canadian eventer Jamie Kellock. “Jamie and Jessica [Phoenix] worked together this week to prepare him. I showed up Friday morning, rode him at Jamie’s, then rode him a little here in the afternoon, and we did the class. I was trying to draw on all the good training I’ve had from my great coaches over the years, and that’s all you can try to do.

“Indoor eventing always gets your heart racing,” continued Roberts, a member of Canada’s bronze medal eventing team at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. “It gets your blood pumping, and this atmosphere is second to none.”

The Coca-Cola Coliseum welcomed record numbers on opening weekend of the Royal Horse Show.

“It’s great to see this place jam-packed, and I think the horses love it,” said Roberts, who has been coming to The Royal with his family since he was a child. “They see all those eyes on them, and they hear people cheer for them. I know it gets the riders going but the horses love it too.”

Holly Jacks and Josephine. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Holly Jacks of Hillsburgh, ON, rode Josephine to second in the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge on Saturday, November 8, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.

The Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge returned to the Royal Horse Show this year to deliver the adrenaline-pumping thrills of cross-country to an indoor setting. Featuring a combination of show jumping and cross-country obstacles, the course designed by world-renowned Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain challenged horses and riders to be both daring and accurate to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd in the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

After her opening night win, Jacks held on for a second-place finish. She piloted Ontario-bred Josephine for owner and breeder, Donna Van Beek, to a penalty-free finish just fractions of a second behind Roberts in 186.87 seconds. Three-time Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON, rounded out the top three with a clear performance and total time of 195.37 seconds on ESI Nixon, also owned by Penny Rowland.

Jessica Phoenix and ESI Nixon. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

The number one eventing rider in the world, Harry Meade (GBR) concluded his Royal Horse Show debut by placing eighth riding borrowed mount BDE Olympic Royale, a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare usually campaigned by 18-year-old Avery Tallman.

“It’s amazing to see the work that goes in behind the scenes at the Royal,” concluded Roberts, who is now based in Aiken, SC, after taking in some of the other sights and sounds of The Royal on Saturday afternoon. “I sat and watched the cow show a little bit this afternoon. You get to see things here that you wouldn’t in your daily life. It’s great!”

$20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge – Final Standings

Saturday Evening, November 8, 2025

Rider / Hometown / Horse / Penalties / Time

1. Waylon Roberts / Port Perry, ON / Lakeside Park / 0 / 186.29

2. Holly Jacks / Hillsburgh, ON / Josephine / 0 / 186.87

3. Jessica Phoenix / Cannington, ON / ESI Nixon / 0 / 195.37

4. Melissa Boutin / Sherbrooke, QC / Penny GS / 0 / 213.93

5. Selena O’Hanlon / Kingston, ON / Ten Lakes / 5 / 213.43

6. Diana Burnett / Blackstock, ON / Whatsyourproblem / 5 / 219.23

7. Megane Sauve / St. Paul, QC / Nuance / 10 / 190.83

8. Harry Meade / South Gloucestershire, GBR / BDE Olympic Royale / 25 / 213.14

Monday News & Notes from The Event at TerraNova

By Eventing Nation on Nov 10, 2025 12:01 am -

Will Coleman and Diabolo, former TerraNova podium finishers who will return to the 4* level this weekend after a delayed start to the 13-year-old Holsteiner’s season. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We can’t wait to kick off the final FEI event of the 2025 season at The Event at TerraNova this week. It’s the final CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S of the season, with some exciting names featuring on both entry lists. This weekend will also mark the second 2026 qualifier leg of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, providing riders with a leg up on the new season’s points earning. You can take a peek at the full entry list here.

There are many ways to experience The Event at TerraNova this weekend, including limited VIP table availability, Sunday’s Empty Bowls benefit dinner, volunteering or, if you can’t attend in person, a free live stream here.

U.S. Weekend Events

H.T. at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website] [Scores]

River Glen Fall H.T. (TN): [Website] [Scores]

Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA): [Website] [Scores]

Full Moon Farm Fall H.T. (MD): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

It’s day one of the Goresbridge Go for Gold Select Event Horse sale in Ireland! If you’re in a position to do some online shopping this week, these handpicked young horses are ready for your virtual perusal. The sale officially kicks off today with viewings of the horses above 3 years old, which can be viewed live here. Tomorrow, the 3 year olds will be showcased, also available to view live here. Then on Wednesday, November 12, all lots will be available for viewing ahead of the afternoon’s sale, which will begin at 3 pm local time (7 a.m. EST). You can view our Wishlist here and learn more/view the full catalog here.

The cross country warm-up doesn’t have to feel as chaotic as it sometimes does. If you’re newer to eventing or haven’t competed in awhile (or you just want a refresher on how things work), we’ve got just the ticket: a warm-up primer from 5* rider and FEI judge Valerie Pride. Focusing on cross country warm-up, Valerie walks you through the steps of checking in with the ring steward and getting yourself and your horse set up for the fun. You can read more from Valerie on this here.

In her debut memoir, Finding Purpose: A Life Managing the Passion, Compulsion, and Borderline Addiction Called “Horses,” eventer and Mustang advocate Chelsea Canedy takes readers behind the scenes of a high-level equestrian life and into the inner work that sustains it. Dive on in with a great excerpt here.

Video Break

Waylon Roberts wasn’t the only indoor eventing winner crowned this weekend — over in Poland, Michael Jung (GER) took home the honors in the Cavaliada Eventing Tour: