Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes from Virginia Horse Center Foundation

By on Oct 9, 2025 12:01 am -

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Today is the day! Tickets are officially on sale beginning at 9 a.m. ET for the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event! Now is your chance to snag the best seats in the house for the #BestWeekendAllYear, and reserved tickets + hospitality tend to go quickly, so it’s good to be early to the party in this case. Importantly, you can also save money with early bird pricing until December 11. You can find ticket options here.

Major International Events

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L (The Netherlands): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Timing/Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Support EN’s Coverage Sponsor: Horsepal]

U.S. Weekend Events

Morven Park Fall International CCI / US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Live Stream] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Tickets and Tailgating] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage] [Support EN’s Coverage Sponsor: Ride EquiSafe]

Poplar Place Farm October H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores]

Redefined Equestrian H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

The Event at Isaacks Ranch (NM): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

While it’s too late to make changes to your Eventing Manager team, you can still handicap the field and, in particular, the horses who could surprise us this weekend at the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park. The 30-horse field is full of successful 4* and even 5* horses, and the $200,000 prize money will have everyone aiming to be as competitive as possible. Take a look at some pairs tapped to be potential dark horses this weekend here.

The MARS Maryland 5 Star next week will feature several USEA Young Event Horse graduates in the 5* and 3* divisions (as well as, of course, in the East Coast YEH Championships). Now you can meet the horses who’ve come through this pipeline here.

“Dressage training is a systematic process that anyone can learn, however, the quality of the training is in the practitioner.” The student will never ride exactly like their teacher because they are a completely different person with different life experiences, a different physique, and a different temperament. A physically strong, even-tempered person will produce a different result than someone who is short-tempered and equally strong with the same education. A good instructor understands this and teaches accordingly. Horse Nation explores the topic more here.

Sponsor Corner: Virginia Horse Center Foundation

Don’t forget to send in your entries for the fall edition of VHC Eventing at Virginia Horse Center! This year, the CCI1*-S level is offered, along with FEI divisions through CCI3*-S. It’s a great opportunity to have a good test for where you’re at for the end of the year. Entries close on October 14, so be sure to get those sent in soon. More information here.

Video Break

Catch the latest episode of The Open Road featuring Boyd Martin:

All Pass Boekelo First Hangover – Sorry, Horse – Inspection

By on Oct 8, 2025 2:23 pm -

A moment, please, for this poor woman, who had to ride a hobby horse down the trot-up strip in front of 90 of the grumpiest human beings you’ve ever encountered in your life. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

If Darren Aronofsky directed trot-ups, he’d surely be the mastermind behind the first horse inspection at Military Boekelo. Everywhere you look, concrete and chaos and the thin veneer of many, many riders just trying to stay upright and hopefully avoid doing a little sick on their nice outfits; overhead, the pallor of Dutch cloud cover, which always seems to sit about ten meters off the ground, like if a weather front was somehow also a hangover.

We don’t need the weather fronts to be hangovers, though, because we’ve all got enough of those already. Because, of course, Wednesday follows on from Tuesday, and Tuesday at Boekelo means something very different to Tuesday anywhere else in the world. It means that 150 or so of us — riders, grooms, support teams and me, a journalist who ought to be too grown up for this sort of thing now – cram into a little marquee in the stables field and pickle ourselves like Pony Clubbers getting their first experience of supermarket own-brand vodka nicked from a corner store.

Help us; we never learn. The light is out in all of our eyes. We have celebrated being the bestest of mates too voraciously; we have bussed down to All I Want For Christmas Is You too passionately; we have girl-bossed too close to the sun, or whatever Taylor Swift is on about this week. Team Germany is in a particularly bad way, except for defector Kai Steffen-Meier, now the chef d’equipe of the Belgian team, who bemoaned a couple of weeks ago that his hangovers on this side of 40 are life-destroying – but somehow, he’s fine and god, you’ve never seen anyone so smug in your life. It’s sickening. His wife, Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, is also suspiciously fresh-faced. Last night, mid-conversation, she paused, glanced into the tent, and asked me, “do you reckon we’re getting a bit old for this?” The next time I saw her, we were both dancing on tables, covered in other people’s drinks and trying to avoid serious injury from a Frenchman raving with a lit cigarette in hand. I guess we are not.

Same, tbh.

So how do you solve a problem like a Grolsch bar? Honestly, my first port of call, given a choice, would not be a 90-horse trot-up, but choices I have not, and so trot up we did.

Thankfully for morale, the ground jury of Angela Tucker, Andrew Bennie, and Edith Schless-Störtenbecker were in better spirits than any of the rest of us, and they sped us through what could have been many hours of run, spin, and run again in an impressively efficient manner. Just one horse was sent to the holding box for further inspection; that was Barrington Alice, the first of two smart greys for Great Britain’s Izzy Taylor this week. They were accepted into the competition upon reinspection, while the two competitors asked to trot a second time because their horses were a bit frisky – Ireland’s Declan Cullen and Seavaghan Ash and Australia’s Bella English and Cil Dara Bombay S – were accepted without further issues once they could coax a stride or two of trot out of their very fit horses.

France’s Benjamin Massie and Guess Star. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Military Boekelo, which serves as the FEI Nations Cup series finale, is set in a busy complex with a sports centre smack in the middle of it (and a Grolsch factory across the road, no I am not joking), which means that siting a trot-up requires a bit of creativity. Which is to say that it’s plonked down in the sports centre car park, which is also to say that despite the best efforts of the organising team, a lorry driver did in fact park his vehicle within the intended confines of the trot-up area earlier this week and then left the country. Once, many moons ago, a friend of mine popped into town one morning to collect her car after taxiing home from an evening at the wine bar, and discovered that a market had been built around, and over the top of, the car, and that’s kind of what happened today with the lorry: there weren’t any dresses being displayed on the wing mirrors, sadly, but it was very much an honourary member of the ground jury. The show must go on, et cetera, et cetera.

Can’t park there, mate.

Ema Klugman and Chiraz. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The show, as it is, begins in earnest tomorrow morning at 9.00 a.m. CEST, which is 8.00 a.m. if you’re following along from the UK and a deeply unreasonable 3.00 a.m. if you’re on the East Coast of the US. Friday’s dressage sessions will see competitors from the seven teams come forward, while tomorrow, and first thing Friday, is all about the individuals. First in the ring will be Italy’s Andrea Docimo, who rides Tradewinds Alfredo this week; you can check out the times in full here.

Unusually, the US isn’t fielding a team this week, though the country isn’t unrepresented at this happy hunting ground: Chris Talley will ride FE Marco Polo this week, and Hallie Coon, who has previously finished on the podium individually here, has two rides in Lucky Fortuna and the former Julia Norman ride Kapriccio. I watched Kapriccio and Marco Polo training this afternoon and man, there’s a lot to get excited about there, even without a full team. We’re also very excited to see US-bred and -based Aussie Ema Klugman, who’s also part of Team EN, competing this week as part of the Australian team with the very smart Chiraz. Plus, after all the excitement of the European Championships last month, where we saw a new flag for the first time from Turkey, it’s great to welcome Hong Kong to Boekelo for the first time ever thanks to Yu Xuan Su and Ventura.

Hong Kong’s Yu Xuan Su and Ventura. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’ll be bringing you full reports every day from Boekelo, and to follow along with all the action as it happens, you can tune in to ClipMyHorse.TV for livestream coverage of each phase. Until tomorrow: Go Eventing!

EN is proud to welcome Horsepal onboard as the sponsor of our Military Boekelo coverage! Horsepal is a newly-launched heart rate monitor brought to you by Tom MacGuinness, founder of Horseware and an FEI eventer and endurance rider, who’s brought his decades of knowledge to practice in the design of Horsepal. You can now purchase Horsepal directly to the UK and Europe — learn more here.

Military Boekelo: [Website] [Live Stream] [Entries] [Times and Scores] [EN’s Coverage] [Support Our Sponsor: Horsepal]

All Horses Accepted to Kick Off US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park Fall International

By on Oct 8, 2025 1:36 pm -

Woods Baughman and Hopak de Greenbay Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Ah, fall. The season of changing colors, pumpkin spice (if you’re into that sort of thing) and now, a very exciting addition to the U.S. eventing calendar to add to the all-out sprint to the end of the season. The US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at the Morven Park Fall International now stands as a firm fixture on the October calendar, sitting just before the MARS Maryland 5 Star and also complementing the action in Europe with Military Boekelo, Le Lion and Pau.

To kick us off this morning, 30 competitors presented and 30 were accepted by our Ground Jury of president Peter Gray (CAN), Bea di Grazia (USA) and Helen Christie (NZL) today for our First Horse Inspection to open the competition. The US Equestrian team has gone all out on the presentation of the US Equestrian Open this week, and it’s looking like a full slate of fall eventing celebration to officially conclude the inaugural season of this $2 million series across the three Olympic disciplines.

Boyd Martin and Shanroe Cooley. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

$200,000 is on the line this week (with $50,000 already distributed to the top three point-earners throughout the season) for the top finishers, which is the highest prize fund at this level in at least the U.S., if not worldwide. For a sport that does not find itself with full financial coffers like its counterparts in show jumping, for instance, the opportunity to earn some real cash is rare. The sponsorship support the Open has received in just its first year of running gives a good indication of the next couple of years (US Equestrian has backed the Open for three years, but with all hope it will remain in perpetuity well beyond these first few years), and the public image and reach of the sport is one big shift USEF Chief of Sport David O’Connor has observed throughout his tenure in the sport.

Boyd Martin accepts his $25,000 series leaderboard bonus from USEF Chief of Sport David O’Connor. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“I think that the idea of that the public is so much more involved,” David said when asked what has evolved with our sport through the years. “And how do we present ourselves? You’re not really changing what you do with the horses — the level of the horsemanship has gotten to a higher level, but I think the involvement in the public is a big thing that has changed here in the States. And I think with that, it really gives us a responsibility also, to make sure that we’re presenting and celebrating what the coolest thing is about our sport. To be able to celebrate it and teach people how talk about it in a different way — not using only equestrian terms for stuff [for example], and getting into people where people can understand and involve the public.”

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

It was really David who first brought the idea of the Open to the table back in 2023, floating the idea to the USEF Board of Governors with the intention to grow the scope of the sport and align it further with other prestigious sports with a high level of fan familiarity and engagement.

“It’s been an exciting journey to watch,” David said to gathered media who had been invited to preview the competition today. Some 20+ media members even reaching outside of the equestrian circle showed up to take in the action and carry those missives back to their audiences. “Because we’re starting to get people talking about it. I’ve been at Morven Park a long time — it’s part of my whole life journey — but this weekend, it’s the Open at Morven Park. So I think that tagline of the Open is creating something because people can relate it to the other sports that are out there. They can relate it to what the Open means in tennis or the two Opens in golf and put it together, so that people who don’t really know anything about eventing or horses have the tagline and they understand that it’s a big deal.”

We’ll now look ahead to the commencement of competition tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 11:00 a.m. ET. We’ll split the Open division into two, with about half of the group doing their dressage on Thursday and the other half on Friday. You can view orders of go and ride times on EventEntries here.

The US Equestrian Open trophy was designed by the same people who create the Kentucky Derby trophy! Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

You can follow along live on USEF Network on ClipMyHorse.TV. USEF members will be able to watch for free by linking their USEF account (instructions on how to do that are here). Other viewers can access the live stream via ClipMyHorse here. A pro team of commentators including Annie Bishop, Sara Kozumplik and Sinead Maynard have teamed up to bring you all of the updates from on-site. You can also follow Morven Park’s social pages (Facebook | Instagram | YouTube) for more content.

To keep up with our content and need-to-know info this week, click here to bookmark our Ultimate Guide.

Lastly for all of our competitors this weekend, while we have the incredible Shannon Brinkman shooting our photos here on EN, you can find ALL of the photos you want and then some from the crack team at Erin Gilmore Photography, your official moment capturers this weekend. Be sure to keep an eye on Erin Gilmore’s website for galleries for all competitors available to purchase.

Our coverage of Morven Park is supported by Ride EquiSafe, your go-to source for safety equipment and apparel for eventing.

Morven Park Fall International CCI / US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Tickets and Tailgating] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage] [Support EN’s Coverage Sponsor: Ride EquiSafe]

EN’s Ultimate Guide to the Morven Park Fall International & US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final

By on Oct 8, 2025 9:45 am -

It all comes down to this! We are chomping at the bit to get underway with the inaugural Final of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, where some 30 riders will be competing for $200,000 in prize money this weekend at Morven Park.

Ahead of tomorrow’s start of competition, we’ve tossed together this Ultimate Guide to provide you with resources to follow along. Keep this bookmarked to stay up to date with our coverage, which is supported by Ride EquiSafe.

Morven Park Fall International CCI / US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Live Stream] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Tickets and Tailgating] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage] [Support EN’s Coverage Sponsor: Ride EquiSafe]

2024 Morven Park 4*-L winners Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The Schedule

Please note: This Ultimate Guide focuses on the US Equestrian Open CCI4*-L division, but you can find the full schedule (which is subject to change per organizer direction) on Event Entries here.

Wednesday, October 8

11 a.m ET – First Horse Inspection

Thursday, October 9

10:40 a.m. ET – US Open CCI4*-L Dressage

Friday, October 10

11:00 a.m. ET – US Open CCI4*-L Dressage

Saturday, October 11

10:35 a.m. ET – US Open CCI4*-L Cross Country

Sunday, October 12

8:30 a.m. ET – Final Horse Inspection
1:30 p.m. ET – US Open CCI4*-L Show Jumping

How to Watch

You can follow along live on USEF Network on ClipMyHorse.TV. USEF members will be able to watch for free by linking their USEF account (instructions on how to do that are here). Other viewers can access the live stream via ClipMyHorse here. A pro team of commentators including Annie Bishop, Sara Kozumplik and Sinead Maynard have teamed up to bring you all of the updates from on-site. You can also follow Morven Park’s social pages (Facebook | Instagram | YouTube) for more content.

The Players

Phillip Dutton and Possante. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

As of publication, we have a slightly thinned field of 30 horses after starting at around 40 entries for the CCI4*-L division. It’s still a highly competitive field with most of the top ranked US Open series leaders bringing some top horses for a shot at the prize funds. This includes series winner Boyd Martin with Ocala Horse Properties’ Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley, both former Liz Halliday rides, Phillip Dutton and the red-hot Possante (owned by the Possante Group) as well as Denim (owned by Neill Sites, Caroline Moran, Ann Lapides, Ann L. Jones), and Will Coleman with the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record as well as Jerome Broussard, Gloria Callen and Beth Lendrum’s Very Dignified. We’ll also see some strong support from Caroline Pamukcu with two horses entered, Gabby Dickerson freshly returned from some time competing in the UK with two horses. One key pair, Lauren Nicholson and Bromont + Arville 4* winner Larcot Z, have been a late withdrawal, opening the door for other pairs as one of the higher-touted pairs in the original field.

You can view the full entry list on Event Entries here.

EN’s Coverage

Keep this Ultimate Guide booked to stay abreast of EN’s coverage of the US Equestrian Open Final. Our coverage is supported by Ride EquiSafe, your go-to source for safety equipment and apparel for eventing.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12

Hey ‘Mikki’ You’re So Fine: Boyd Martin and Miks Master C Take Inaugural $200k US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park

All Horses Move to Show Jumping for US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

Coleman Captures Cross Country Day in US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

‘It’s Got Its Own Set of Features Which Make It Unique’: Preview Derek di Grazia’s US Equestrian Open CCI4*-L Cross Country at Morven Park

Keep It ON the Record: Will Coleman Earns CCI4*-L Personal Best to Lead US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9

Denim Never Goes Out of Style in US Equestrian Open Final of Eventing at Morven Park

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8

All Horses Pass First Horse Inspection to Kick Off US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park

PRE-EVENT COVERAGE

Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials: 5 Things You Have to Do in Leesburg

A Dramatic Backdrop for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final

MARS American Bred Talent Trophy Returns for 2025 Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials

Wednesday News & Notes from The Maryland Horse Trials

By on Oct 8, 2025 12:01 am -

You won’t want to miss the latest episode of The Go Eventing Podcast, which welcomes Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix to the airwaves to catch up on everything from the growth of eventing in Canada to how her Olympic partner Pavarotti is faring in professorville. You can listen now on your favorite podcast platform or here on our main hub.

Major International Events

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L (The Netherlands): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Timing/Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Support EN’s Coverage Sponsor: Horsepal]

U.S. Weekend Events

Morven Park Fall International CCI / US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Tickets and Tailgating] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage] [Support EN’s Coverage Sponsor: Ride EquiSafe]

Poplar Place Farm October H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores]

Redefined Equestrian H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

The Event at Isaacks Ranch (NM): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

It’s time for some Fast Facts about this weekend’s stacked field at the Morven Park Fall International / US Equestrian Open Final. Remember, these riders will be competing for $200,000, an unheard of prize at the 4* level (we’re talking 5*-level prize money here), so there’s a lot on the line as the season begins to wind to a close. There is plenty of action left, though, so brush up on the field here.

This week also marks the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, where hundreds of former racehorses will compete in a variety of disciplines (including eventing!). One special horse in the field this week has a special connection to our friends at Kentucky Performance Products, and he’s also got bragging rights from a successful international racing career. He very nearly didn’t get there, though, after he failed to sell as a yearling. Thoroughbred breeder and owner of Kentucky Performance Products Delia Nash and bloodstock agent Jun Park went in on the horse, Sibelius, and took a chance. The rest is history, and now he’s learning the ropes of a new sport with Alison O’Dwyer, who was also involved in his racing career. You can read more of this great story here in part one and here in part two.

We all know how important fitness is as riders. But have you thought about fitness from a biomechanical standpoint? It starts with viewing equestrians (that means you!) as athletes. From there, it becomes simpler to see things from a scientific standpoint and how your body functionality affects your horse’s way of going. You can take a deeper dive into the topic here.

Sponsor Corner: The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm

Did you miss out on the Area II Championships action last weekend? You can catch up here, and in the meantime this weekend Loch Moy Farm will welcome schooling competitors for their Dover Saddlery MDHT Highland Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. View the full Loch Moy calendar here.

Video Break

Take a trip to Wales to learn about a unique racehorse retraining program:

Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials: 5 Things You Have to Do in Leesburg

By on Oct 7, 2025 10:11 am -

Who’s guilty of going to a horse show in a really cool place and then never leaving the grounds? Don’t make the same mistake at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials this October. A short jaunt from the park itself, Leesburg, Virginia is just begging to be explored. 

Relish Local Cuisine

The thriving pocket-sized city of Leesburg has no shortage of amazing places to eat for any budget. After a long day spectating or competing at the horse show, you have to hit the town for some blue ribbon dining. 

If you want to eat like a local, check out Tuscarora Mill. Lovingly referred to as “Tuskie’s” by the local community, the restaurant is located inside a historic building that operated as a grain mill in the late 1800s. Perfect for the history buff in your party as well as anyone that enjoys great ambiance, sit down at the Mill to enjoy entrees like beef tips and scallops with whipped potatoes or grilled lemongrass chicken skewers atop a green soba noodle salad. 

Looking for a lovely atmosphere for a nice dinner out? You might want to check out The Huntōn, which allows diners to indulge in a menu inspired by the bounties of the hunt.

Is that– is that a sweat treat? Only one way to find out– head over to The Yard for the best dessert you’ve ever had: an over-the-top milkshake. Forget the classic milkshake handed to you in a styrofoam cup. These milkshakes are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Take the Virginia is for Lovers milkshake, which has strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a vanilla iced jar rolled in heart-shaped sprinkles. It’s topped with red candy whipped cream, a rock candy stick, and a cookie dough heart. Forget dinner, let’s head straight to The Yard. 

Listen to Live Music

Eventers know how to work hard and play hard. If you’re looking for some nightlife to enjoy after spending the day tailgating on the cross country course, you can find live music in downtown Leesburg. If you’re feeling like a casual live band, head to Spanky’s Shenanigans (yes, that is its actual name.) They have live music on the regular, so you can treat yourself to a post-cross country beer, sit back and relax, and listen to some live music. They are regularly voted one of Loudoun County’s best pubs, with everything from oysters to burgers on the menu. Make sure you check the calendar to see who’s playing before you go. 

If you want to really live it up, head to the aptly-named Tally Ho Theater for a full concert experience after the horse show. An ABBA tribute band and a Dave Matthews tribute band are both playing that weekend. Food is available for purchase from the restaurant next door and three different bars inside the theater will make sure your glass is never empty. 

Stop By Lost Creek Tasting Room

The area surrounding Morven Park Equestrian Center isn’t just great for cross country, it’s also fertile soil for delicious wines and beautiful vineyards. Stop by Lost Creek Tasting Room in downtown Leesburg to enjoy a glass of local wine after a long day of spectating at the horse show. 

The wines at Lost Creek Tasting Room are grown along the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains on a vineyard called Meridian Ridge. With varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Tannat, you’re sure to find a wine for every equestrian in your group at this tasting room. Personally, I would go for a glass of the 2023 Viognier.

Visit Loudoun Museum

Stop by this short and sweet museum that’s the perfect size. Get some history in without being faced with the daunting task of spending an entire day at a Smithsonian-sized institution. 

The Loudoun Museum is a quick trip that can be visited before or after your ride. With free admission and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the Loudoun Museum has exhibits covering the Civil War, French aristocrat and military officer Lafayette, and the early years of the republic. 

If you didn’t get enough history during your quick visit after enjoying the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, come back the next weekend for the Loudoun Museum’s “Hauntings.” These ghostly walks take you on an 80-minute tour of the historic streets of Leesburg where you’ll learn about notable buildings, cemeteries and their spooky inhabitants.

Go Shopping in Historic Downtown Leesburg

If you love shopping local, historic downtown Leesburg will be your version of catnip. After watching some gorgeous dressage tests on Friday at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, spend the afternoon shopping in the historic district of Leesburg. With beautifully preserved buildings everywhere you look, you can wander in and out of stores to find your new favorite book, plant, gift, or trinket. 

For those who love curling up with a book, stop into Birch Tree Books and Plant Store. Based on my own experience, the staff have some excellent suggestions for a new book to add to your TBR list and the plant selection extends through the back of the store and out to the patio. 

If you’re looking for a gift for a friend or family member, visit Global Local. This store not only supports local artists, but offers thoughtfully sourced and sustainable gifts from Fair Trade makers around the world. Plus, if you plan your day well enough, you can stop by their candle making bar to create commemorative candles from your visit to Morven Park. 

Finally, treat yourself to a custom-blended perfume at Rouge Spa. Why not smell like something besides horse for once? The store owner, Anita, is an aromatherapist who has learned how to create custom perfumes, lotions, body scrubs, and more. Create a scent that’s all your own at Rouge Spa. 

There’s so much to do in the areas surrounding Morven Park Equestrian Center, that your only problem will be how to fit it all in around enjoying the tailgating and VIP experiences all weekend.

Reserve your tailgating spot here. 

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Oct 7, 2025 12:01 am -

It’s been fun following Nox Martin, Boyd and Silva Martin’s 10-year-old son, as he explores riding (and takes to it quite naturally, if we say so). This weekend, Nox and Boyd’s 4* ride, Miss Lulu Herself (owned by Bonnie Stedt), took a spin around the Cheshire Hunter Trials!

Many thanks to Amy Dragoo for capturing and sharing the moment!

Photo via the Cheshire Hunter Trials on Facebook.

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

SAzEA Fall H.T. (AZ)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Waredaca Classic Three-Day & H.T. (MD); Bouckaert Equestrian International (GA); Windermere Run H.T. (MO); Hitching Post Farm H.T. (VT)

News & Reading

It’s a big week, with both the US Equestrian Open Final as well as Military Boekelo each playing key roles on the fall CCI4*-L calendar. You can get in on the action by selecting your EquiRatings Eventing Manager — and there’s some extra on the line this week! The highest combined total of points earned from these two events will net the winner some YETI goodies like a backpack cooler. All you have to do is sign up (for free!) to play Eventing Manager here. To add to the fun, you can join the official EN league by using code PCTD.

Curious about the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP)? The USEA has instituted the ECP to help standardize coaching here in the U.S. and provide coaches with professional education and support. You can get some of your top questions about the program answered here.

We’re bidding a fond farewell to beloved equestrian author Jilly Cooper, who penned multiple classics situated within the horse world. Jilly passed away on October 5 following a fall at the age of 88. Jilly was the author of 44 books, including her first long novel, Riders, that sold over 11 million copies worldwide. She was awarded an MBE in 2004 for services to literature, and her legacy will continue to live on through her work. Read a tribute to Jilly and her storied (pun intended) career here.

At just 19 years old, Northern Ireland’s Soul-be Courtney has already crossed oceans, conquered challenges, and carved out a name for herself in the equestrian world. From teaching in Maine to chasing eventing dreams back home, her passion and determination shine in every stride. Don’t miss the story here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

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25-ENHN SM_10

When it comes to picking hay for your horse, not all bales are created equal. The type of hay available, the maturity of the plant when it was harvested, and even the region where it was grown all play an important role in nutrition.

Different types of hay offer different benefits.
Grass hay like timothy, orchard grass, and fescue is typically higher in fiber but lower in calories per pound, and it tends to be low in essential vitamins such as vitamin E. Legume hay, like alfalfa and clover, provides more protein and calcium, is lower in starch and sugar, but is also low in vitamin E. Mixed hays will vary in nutritional value depending on the ratio of grasses to legumes.

Maturity matters.
As plants age, they produce more lignin, a fibrous component that gives the stalk strength but is indigestible to horses. Older hay with thicker stems and more seed heads will provide less energy and fewer nutrients than hay harvested earlier in its growth.

Soil plays a part.
Mineral levels in hay depend on the soil in which it’s grown, with selenium levels varying greatly across the country. Knowing what’s in your hay—and what’s missing—is key to keeping your horse healthy.

Because hay can often lack the vitamins and minerals horses need, Kentucky Performance Products created Micro-Phase—a tasty, low-calorie pellet that fills in those nutritional gaps by supplying the essential vitamins and trace minerals necessary for good health.

Learn more here.

Video Break

William Fox-Pitt on the Talk Horse podcast!

Weekend Winners: Maryland Horse Trials, Woodside, Apple Knoll, WindRidge, Ocala, & Middle Tennessee

By on Oct 6, 2025 3:00 pm -

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! We’re starting this week coming off of a busy weekend – Area II Championships, FEI divisions, and competitions running from Starter through 4*!

Congrats to all on successful weekends, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Will Faudree and Dee Why, who scored a 19.2 in the Novice 2 division at WindRidge!

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm / Area II Championships (MD): [Website][Scores]

4* CT Test B: Sharon White and Claus 63 (29.3)
3* CT Test B: Jenna Levesque and Born Ready (34.1)
Open Intermediate: Rylie Nelson and Galloway Sunrise (45.2)
Open Preliminary: Tim Bourke and DHI Kevin G (30.8)
Preliminary – Championships: Tim Bourke and Sing To Me Cooley (33.2)
Modified – Championships: Avery Cascarino and Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier (30.5)
Open Modified A: Madeline Scott and Rockabilly (26.8)
Open Modified B: Phillip Dutton and Saarinen (27.5)
Junior Training – Championships: Emma Whitaker and HSH Golden Boy (30.0)
Open Training A: Alex Reed and Kayan (23.1)
Open Training B: Kendyl Tracy and Diabolo (26.2)
Training – Championships: Rachael Livermore and Accuraat Z (28.6)
Training Rider: John Henry Milam and Fernhill Tonto (38.6)
Junior Novice – Championships: Quinn Miller and Jules Verne (29.2)
Novice – Championships: Martin Douzant and Frame Nantucket S (26.9)
Novice Rider A: Audriana Ellis and FourFields Versace (32.8)
Novice Rider B: Sara Staley and Master Rudy (30.8)
Open Novice A: Kimmy Cecere and Fernhill Candy Time (20.3)
Open Novice B: Alexander Conrad and URBALREAGH LIMELIGHT (33.1)
Beginner Novice – Championships: Liana Theroux and Our Golden Chance (23.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Erica Leslie Jones and R U Sure (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Joy Hill and Second Chance McFly (28.3)
Junior Beginner Novice – Championships: Claire McMillan and RVR Coldstone (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Martin Douzant and Supervillain (24.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Martin Douzant and On Top (24.1)
Junior Starter – Championships: Carmen Defelice and Bazinga (28.3)
Starter: Lindsay Berreth and Guising (31.3)
Starter – Championships: Stella Uiterwaal and Crossfire (26.7)

Woodside Fall International (CA): [Website][Scores]

CCI 4*S: James Alliston and HMR Rolan (37.2)
CCI 3*S: Tamra Smith and Jump To Day D (43.2)
CCI 2*S: Tamra Smith and Solaguayre Cantata (28.6)
CCI 1*S: Stephanie Goodman and Cord Johnson (34.8)
Open Intermediate: James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB (35.0)
Open Preliminary: India McEvoy-Chisholm and E’zara (38.7)
Open Modified: James Alliston and Diassini (26.0)
Training Rider: Megan Bebb and Clara Bö (30.2)
Open Training: Rebecca Braitling and Fernhill Heart Throb (29.5)
Junior Novice Rider: Elizabeth Bustos and Iluminada (28.9)
Senior Novice Rider: Eri Takada and Jackpot VG (33.1)
Novice Amateur: Dana Walsh and Duke’s Helios (28.6)
Open Novice: Josh Barnacle and Phineas (28.0)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Delaney Willardson and Native Heart (25.9)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider A: Robin Mooney and FE Daily Star (29.7)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider B: Alysia DeLeeuw and Queen Elsa Z (34.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Addison Martin and Abbeyside Waves (28.1)
Junior Starter Rider: Sofia Bresin and Longwood Diamond Supreme (31.1)
Senior Starter Rider: Corinne Neuman and SD FORT I VALENT (31.7)
Open Starter: MaryBeth Young and Smudge (25.7)

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MA): [Website][Scores]

Training: Brook Brown and FH Flug (39.6)
Novice A: Hannah Lowin and Jack Frost (30.6)
Novice B: Hannah Lowin and Dubliner (25.6)
Beginner Novice A: Olivia Galuppo and Mischief Managed (31.8)
Beginner Novice B: Erin Renfroe and Rebel Mountain Clover Crystal (31.6)
Starter A: Melanie Harris and Devine Dancer (35.0)
Starter B: Leanne Hersey and Skip A Stride (31.3)

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. (NC): [Website][Scores]

Intermediate: Sydney Elliott and Greenhall Good Decision (41.0)
Preliminary: Susanne McDaniel and Corelli WWW (52.3)
Preliminary/Training: Zoe Crawford and Ballyneety J’adore (32.5)
Training: Zoe Crawford and Sportsfield Olympic Bay (27.1)
Novice 1: Catherine Goosmann and Saul Good (28.6)
Novice 2: Will Faudree and Dee Why (19.2)
Novice CT: Emma Suess and HVF On Point (33.3)
Beginner Novice 1: Julia McHugh and OMS Stallone (29.2)
Beginner Novice 2: Jessica Slangal and Legendary Man (30.6)
Starter 1: Paula Cudd and Latte (28.0)
Starter 2: Kyla Stewart and Saratoga (36.0)
Grasshopper: Carli Stiles and Red Flyer (44.3)
Starter CT: Sarah Farris and Into Orbit (47.5)

Ocala Fall H.T. (FL): [Website][Scores]

Advanced: Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Flower Girl (45.0)
Advanced CT: Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic (34.4)
Intermediate Rider: Rebecca Roth and Chapter Two (35.0)
Open Intermediate: Clark Montgomery and HSH Marshall (27.2)
Open Preliminary: Sara Kozumplik and Cornelius Bo (26.5)
Preliminary Horse: Leslie Law and Fernhill Lottery (32.9)
Preliminary Rider: Donna Miller and Coud’Poker (38.7)
Modified – Open: Karl Slezak and OBailey (21.3)
Modified – Rider: Abigail Bennett and Argentine Gaucho (41.3)
Junior Training Rider: Addison Borton and Way Too Marvelous BSR (31.2)
Open Training A: Jorge Aguilar and Lucky V/H Trappersveld (30.3)
Open Training B: Declan Bast and Mai Tanzer (29.2)
Senior Training Rider: Jennifer Buchanan and Rumer MWF (32.5)
Training Horse: Lexi Scovil and For Ever Blue Z (24.7)
Junior Novice Rider: Serafina Deldon and Prince Renan (23.3)
Novice Horse: Cornelia Fletcher and Naomii (31.2)
Open Novice: Jennarose Ortmeyer and Woodville’s Rogue Comet (31.6)
Senior Novice Rider: Becky Harris and Cassouleto (27.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Ally Brack and Winna (23.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Hannah Cable and Blue’s Shenanigans (29.4)
Starter: Addison Borton and Bad to the Bone (29.7)

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (TN): [Website][Scores]

Training: Makenzie Lowe and BT Jump the Gun (26.1)
Novice A: Taylor Geaney and Maximillion (37.2)
Novice B: Maris Bobitt and Dipped in Ink (36.4)
Beginner Novice A: Caroline Hinson and Top Gun (30.7)
Beginner Novice B: Lauren Ketch and Lather, Rinse, Repeat (24.7)
Beginner Novice C: Lara Markel and Sk8er Boi (28.9)
Starter A: Emma Carter and Ryker (36.3)
Starter B: Amanda Schardt and Smashing Pumpkins (32.7)
Starter C: Jessica Jenkins and Jumble (30.9)

Horse Fatality Reported at Florida Horse Park’s Ocala Fall H.T.

By on Oct 6, 2025 1:31 pm -

Erin Farrell and Atavious. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Ataviuos, owned and ridden by Erin Farrell, following an accident during the Ocala Fall Horse Trials at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida, on Sunday.

Erin and Ataviuos, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Hard Spun x Wild Silk), were competing in the Intermediate division. Erin, a talented young rider, had developed a strong partnership with Ataviuos through the levels, and he was greatly loved by those who knew him.

The horse will undergo a necropsy at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital for further examination. Erin was uninjured in the incident.

The Florida Horse Park Organizing Committee and the USEA extend their sincere condolences to Erin and everyone connected to Ataviuos. We take all such incidents seriously and will thoroughly review the circumstances to enhance safety measures and reduce risks within equestrian sport.

‘Rolan’ Out the Red Carpet for the US Equestrian Open at Woodside

By on Oct 6, 2025 1:11 pm -

James Alliston and HMR Rolan. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The CCI4*-S at the 2025 Woodside Fall International on October 3 and 4 served as the final of 20 qualifiers in the new US Equestrian Open Eventing Series. However, the end of the series really represented the beginning of exciting possibilities ahead for the riders of the top finishers.

James Alliston and HMR Rolan followed up their victory in their four-star debut two weeks prior in the Twin Rivers Fall International with the win in the CCI4*-S at The Horse Park at Woodside. That now has Alliston and owner Anna Nicholas looking ahead to taking on the best on the East Coast in 2026, starting with the CCI4*-S that’s held at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. The long-term dream is the 2028 Olympics. The 9-year-old bay gelding (Tolan R x Aldatus Diamond) registered with the Warmblood Studbook of Ireland shares has the same sire, Tolan R, as 2024 U.S. Olympic horses HSH Blake and Cooley Nutcracker.

“What a bright future he has, so we’re just trying not to get ahead of ourselves and look after him and keep him healthy and pick the right classes for him,” Alliston said. “For all the owners, it’s so exciting to have [the Olympics] as a possibility when you have a horse with a lot of talent and potential.”

Alliston and “Rolan” took the lead with zero jumping penalties on William Robertson’s show jumping course at Woodside and then clinched the victory with the fastest round on Derek di Grazia’s cross-country course. Their final score was 37.2.

“He has that relaxed mind,” Alliston said. “He just has that great show mind where he obviously gets amped up for the jumping and running around, but it doesn’t seem to boil over when he needs to be relaxed in the dressage, which is a huge asset.”

Tamie Smith and Danito finished second, leading Smith to declare that “he’s back.” They turned in the best dressage score of 28.1 before judges Valerie Pride and Helen Christie. They added one rail in show jumping and just time on cross-country for a final a score of 48.1.

Danito was second in the 2022 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill and has represented the United States on Nations Cup teams in Europe. After missing more than a year of competition from May 2024 to August 2025, Smith is eyeing the summit of the sport again with the now 16-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding (Dancier x Wie Musik) owned by Ruth Bley.

“He feels great and so on it; he’s an old pro,” Smith said. “He’s feeling really strong and happy to be back.” They’ll aim for the CCI4*-L at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, at the end of the month, and then “we want to keep trucking along,” she said.

Tamie Smith and Jump Today D. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Smith was scheduled to hop on a plane immediately after Woodside to be in Virginia for one of the biggest events of the year at Morven Park this coming week. She’ll partner with Kynan (Envoy x Danieta) in the CCI4*-L that will serve as the $200,000 US Equestrian Open Eventing Final. She’ll also ride Sumas Tina Turner (Quantino x Sumas Fanny Brice) in the CCI3*-S.

The Horse Park at Woodside brought the curtain down on the inaugural year of qualifiers for the US Equestrian Open Eventing Series, with executive director Steve Roon saying, “To be part of all the other wonderful events that make up this series that is bringing so much positive recognition to equestrian sports is a tremendous honor.”

Spectators attending a USEF Eventing Pathway Panel led by Tamie Smith, James Alliston, Molly Duda and Ellen Ahearn. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The teams at The Horse Park and Gray Area Events collaborated with US Equestrian (USEF) and the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET) to host a panel about the Eventing Pathway Program featuring Alliston, Smith, Molly Duda, and Ellen Ahearn during a Welcome Social Happy Hour on Thursday. The national team riders led a course walk for owners.

“Having USEF and USET come out and recognize the owners and do a course walk and get the recognition out there for everybody, I think it’s super important, and it’s really refreshing to see the effort they are putting in,” Smith said.

There was a VIP experience available to all that attended show jumping on Friday afternoon in conjunction with the FEI Happy Hour & Appetizers Presented by Harrell Design + Build held in the Bay Arena Viewing Tent.

Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

“We love it; it’s awesome,” Alliston said. “The US Open in its first year, it’s great for the sport. I wish I could do [the finals at] Morven, but I plan to do it next year. It’s really nice that USEF and USET came out for this and made the owners feel special and maybe galvanized some new owners for Californian riders. We love having that presence here.”

Smith also captured the CCI3*-S with Jump To Day D and the CCI2*-S with Solaguayre Cantata. This was the first FEI event together for Smith and Jump To Day D, an 11-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding (Up To Date x Nicola D) owned by Jeanne Shigo. They had zero jumping penalties and finished on a score of 43.2.

“I spent the year getting his strength, and the three-star was very strong,” Smith said. “It was quite difficult—a typical Derek course. It was awesome to be able to have that kind of difficulty of a course and to have the confidence in Derek to know it can be done. You had to fight for it out there, and he was great. He was such an honest horse, and he absolutely loves his job. He was squealing the whole way and happy.”

Lauren Billys Shady and Clearsky were reserve champions, also with zero jumping penalties and finishing with a score of 45.3. This was the first completion in an FEI event for the Puerto Rican Olympian since giving birth to her first son, Ben, in March.

“I have a lot of gratitude when I get to ride,” Billys Shady said. “I feel like having the baby made me more fierce of a competitor, which wasn’t what I expected, but is truly how I feel.”

Billys Shady is hoping to return to the Olympics after representing Puerto Rico at the 2016 and 2020 Games, and Team Latoni’s 10-year-old grey Holsteiner gelding could be the partner to make those dreams come true.

“He’s beautiful to ride,” she said. “He’s so fun to ride because he’s all in. He’s very genuine in his character. He understands something, or he’s always trying to understand something. There’s never a moment when he’s not trying to be a part of the team, and it makes me have a lot of trust and faith in him and the future of our partnership.”

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Solaguayre Cantata, an 8-year-old Argentine-bred mare (Canturo x Solaguyare Clarita) owned by Julianne Guariglia, followed up her win in the CCI2*-S at Twin Rivers with another victory at the level, finishing on a dressage score of 28.6 at Woodside. In six FEI events together at the one- and two-star levels, they’ve won three times and finished second three times. Their record is a testament to the partnership they’ve developed since the mare first came to the United States.

“She’s been really difficult,” Smith said, with a laugh. “As a really young horse, she was very difficult. This year she’s kind of come into her own. She’s very opinionated. She’s a ‘Latin Lady.’ I love it because you want them to have a little bit of fight in them, and now she really eats up courses and is really solid.”

Helen Alliston and Fary Prince were reserve champions with a score of 32.6 in the FEI debut for the 6-year-old bay British Sport Horse gelding (The After Party x Farytale Cooley) that was the 5-year-old reserve champion at the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) West Coast Championships last year.

Stephanie Goodman and Cord Johnson. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Woodside’s CCI1*-S went to Stephanie Goodman and Cord Johnson with a score of 34.8. The 7-year old bay Hanoverian gelding (Cordess 2 x Canstakkia) is well-traveled, competing in events in Florida, California, Washington, and Montana this year.

The Woodside Fall International was the final of three USEA-recognized events held at The Horse Park at Woodside in 2025.

Woodside Fall International (CA): [Website] [Scores]