Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Sep 16, 2025 12:01 am -

Now that’s a wardrobe malfunction that will really throw a wrench in things! It’s one thing to have a broken breastplate or martingale, but when something like your bridle or, I don’t know, a STIRRUP decides to take a mid-ride holiday, all bets are off. Hats off to the team at Erin Gilmore Photography for capturing this great save! And yes, this rider did finish her round!

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA); Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall (VA); Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL); Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (MD); Woodside Fall International (CA); Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MS); WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. (NC); Ocala Fall H.T. (FL); Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (TN)

News & Reading

We’re teaming up with Sentinel Horse Nutrition to give away a year’s worth of Sentinel Horse Feeds! This sweepstakes is accepting entries until 11:59 p.m. ET on October 6. You can full the full terms and conditions + enter for your chance to win a big break for your bank account here.

Interscholastic eventing is thriving at Tryon, thanks to the efforts of people like Sarah Lawrence, who helped launch the program earlier this year. The community responded strongly when she announced she was launching an IEL league, and now the group known as the Tryon Collective is showing us all how far the right people and a shared idea can take us. Read more about this program and how it’s inspiring others here.

When Margo Goldfarb first met Ridgetop Pirate Blue, he was an orphaned foal. Margo’s grandfather told her that “Pirate” would be her next horse, but it would be many years before the pair would really get onto the same page and surprise even themselves with what they could accomplish. Margo and Pirate recently contested their first Advanced event together in Kentucky, and as a full-time student who has to balance all of the things to make her riding goals work, the reward of this accomplishment was priceless. Read the full story here.

Does riding actually help build your horse’s topline? There are multiple schools of thought on this concept, which means the team over at Horse Nation took a dive in to do some myth-busting. Take a dive in here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

What’s the real deal with gut sounds?

When listening for gut sounds, your veterinarian will evaluate both sides of the horse. The abdomen is divided into four areas or quadrants: left side top and bottom, and right side top and bottom.

The upper left quadrant is where sounds from the small intestine can be heard. This quadrant can be quieter than others because it typically contains smaller quantities of fl­uid and gas, but sounds should still be present.
The lower left quadrant overlies the left upper and lower colon.
The upper right quadrant overlies the base of the cecum.
The lower right quadrant overlies the large intestine. Constant motility and large quantities of ­fluid and gas are expected to be found in this quadrant. Sounds should be consistent and of a greater intensity than those heard in the upper left quadrant.

The technical term for a gut sound is a borborygmus (pronounced bôr′bə-rĭg′məs). The plural is borborygmi. Generally, you’re looking for 1-3 borborygmi per minute for what’s considered a normal range. Less than 1 is considered too slow, while more than 3 are considered too much movement.

You can learn much more about gut sounds and what they mean + save a useful graphic for reference here.

Video Break

Take a ride around Junior European Eventing Championships!

Tommy Greengard Finishes Top of the Leaderboard in the USEA Area VII Championships at Aspen Farms Horse Trials

By on Sep 15, 2025 5:57 pm -

Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, receiving their USEA Area VII Open Intermediate Championship award from Show Organizer Jonathan Elliott at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

More than 300 horse and rider combinations gathered for a thrilling weekend of eventing competition at Aspen Farms Horse Trials and the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Area VII Championships September 12-14. The stakes were high with Championship titles on the line, as well as $35,000 worth of prizes from generous show sponsors for top finishers. The three day competition delivered a captivating blend of equestrian sport, community spirit, and scenic beauty, all representative of the unique charms of eventing in the Pacific Northwest.

In the USEA Area VII Open Intermediate Championships presented by Tin Men Supply, Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, owned by Patricia Culleton, had one show jumping rail down on Sunday but still maintained their lead for the overall win.

Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, receiving their USEA Area VII Open Intermediate Championship award from Show Organizer Jonathan Elliott at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

“Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad has been spectacular all season,” Greengard said after the Awards Ceremony. “He had an unfortunate blip at Galway Downs, so it was great to take him out here and have him feeling so good–so confident in his job and in his body. Away we go!”

Greengard also placed second in the division on That’s Me Z, an 8-year-old Zangersheide gelding. He brought “Z” to Aspen Farms for a lighter run after their momentous win in the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final at the American Eventing Championships (AECs) this past August.

Of the 12 starters in the Open Intermediate Championship division, Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz, owned by Amy Haugen, where the only pair to go clear and inside-the-time over the show jumping track designed by Chris Barnard. Thanks to that, they moved up from fourth to third.

According to Sreenan, Ebenholtz’ performance “was really awesome. I’ve had some struggles with him the past year, but everything came together for the cross-country and show jump this weekend; it all panned out.”

Tommy Greengard and MBF Google, winners of the USEA Area VII Open Preliminary Championship at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

Once again, Tommy Greengard found himself at the top of the leaderboard, this time in the USEA Area VII Open Preliminary Championships aboard MBF Google, owned by himself and Andrea Pfeiffer. They finished on their dressage score of 26.

“Google is a special horse,” Pfeiffer said while collecting Championships prizes for the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood, whom she and Greengard imported from Ireland. “He is not for everybody. He can be really challenging in the barn. He’s quirky and weird, but also a really kind horse. You work within his rules, and he tries his heart out for you. He and Tommy have forged a great partnership. We’re really proud of him. He’s a good jumper no matter what, but he’s really come along on the flat. His gaits have opened up, and he’s starting to show some real talent for the future. We’re pretty excited!”

Reese Blinks and I’M Jaguar also finished on their dressage score, placing second on a score of 26.9. Tommy Greengard and EL Porvenir Luigi finished third on 27.4.

While Greengard had nothing but positive things to say about all of his horses competing at Aspen Farms, for him the highlight of the whole show was Luigi’s show jumping performance.

“Luigi’s show jumping round stood out for me,” Greengard said after their clear round. “He’s a big horse, and he’s just 6-years-old. He’s coming into his body. He really impressed us all weekend long, but especially with his round today. We couldn’t be happier with him.”

Next up in their show season, Greengard is taking his string of horses to compete at Morven Park International and Fall Horse Trials in Virginia. Based out of Chocolate Horse Farm in Petaluma, California, this will be their first time competing at Morven Park.

Jordan Linstedt and Libery R, owned by Amy Itkin, winners of the USEA Area VII Open Training Championships presented by Panattoni Development at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

In the USEA Area VII Open Training Championships presented by Panattoni Development, Jordan Linstedt and Liberty R, owned by Amy Itkin, led the division from start to finish.

“That was a really fun show jumping round,” Linstedt said after her clear round will the powerful Dutch Warmblood mare. “Sometimes she can get a little tight and tense. Even with a little bit of atmosphere in there today, she stayed fairly relaxed and her jump quality stayed really nice. I felt her jumping through her body. After they run hard on cross-country, sometimes you don’t know if you will have that feeling you need on Sunday, but she did. She’s ready for the next level. I’m lucky her owner Amy is along for the ride and supports Libby so much, and therefore myself. It’s fun to be here and have such a fabulous ride.”

Of 17 starters, Sara Sellmer was the only other rider besides Linstedt in the Open Training Championships to go clear and inside-the-time for both cross-country and show jumping. Thanks to her strong performances in the jumping phases, Sellmer moved up the leaderboard to secure second place with JB Future Willing, owned by Jil Walton, and third place with Sportsfield Supernatural, owned by Lucky Group LLC.

Hanni Sreenan and Enchanted, winners of the USEA Area VII Training Amateur Championships at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

In the USEA Area VII Training Amateur Championships presented by Panattoni Development, Hanni Sreenan and the 13-year-old Holsteiner mare, Enchanted, show jumped double clear in a competitive class to move from third place to first. More than winning, the highlight of the weekend for Sreenan was their dressage test on Friday, which scored 28.8.

“We been having the not-greatest dressage scores,” Sreenan reflected. “I’ve been playing around with some different bridles and bits, and it all came together for this show. The plan from here is to try the Modified at Spokane Sport Horse Horse Trials later this month.”

Olivia Harris and Checker Can, owned by Joanne Harris, won the USEA Area VII Junior Training Championship on 38.5. Lily Rhea and Cooley Ever After were second, and Alexis Hsue and Fantom were third, both on scores of 40.

The USEA Area VII Novice Amateur Championships featured a leaderboard topped by strong female performances–the top five placings in the division consisting of female riders and their mares.

Melissa Mohr and her imported German Sporthorse mare, Ferrani, led start to finish on their dressage score of 22.2–the lowest finishing score of the weekend. Tracey Trewin and Barcelona were second on 22.8, and Gabrielle Hansen and Kealah D were third on 25.6.

“I was really happy with our round.” Mohr shared. “We had a rail at EI Horse Trials. We’ve been working on pace and getting her more forward. She definitely sensed the environment today and was a little more horse than usual, but otherwise she jumped very well and I’m super happy with her. I’ve had issues at each phase at different points this summer; the cumulation of putting it all together this weekend was the highlight for me. Also, Aspen is a great facility, and we love competing here.”

Jenniver Turla and SV Royal Robbie, winners of the USEA Area VII Open Novice Championships at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

In the USEA Area VII Open Novice Championships, presented by Olive Equestrian and Caroline Pamukcu Eventing, Jenniver Turla and her Connemara/Thoroughbred gelding, SV Royal Robbie, had a last minute climb up the leaderboard from fourth to first, thanks to their double clear show jumping round over a course that proved difficult to many.

“We have worked really hard this summer at not dropping any rails,” Turla shared after her winning round. “This was his second-ever career double clear. I have a great team behind me. I’ve loved being here at Aspen Farms, and having my husband and my son here for cross-country, and winning the Championships with my horse who I’ve had since he was a 2-year old!”

The USEA Area VII Junior Novice Championships winners were Emma Lee and Andiamo Baum. Sylvie Kresser and Hidden Agenda finished second, and Carsyn Ritter and MR. CURIOSITY finished third.

“The first half of the course was really smooth and very nice,” Lee said after her show jumping round. “Then I got a little nervous, and I got a little tight, but he saved me and finished perfectly.”

For Lee, the best part of the weekend was her cross-country ride on Saturday; “it was the funnest cross-country course I’ve ever ridden! It was so much fun that I smiled the whole time. This is my last show of the season. It was a great way to end the season.”

Mikaela Kuiper and Smitten, winners of the USEA Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championships at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

In the Open Beginner Novice Championships, Mikaela Kuiper and Smitten, a Thoroughbred owned by Jessica Wickersham, set the bar high with the lowest dressage score on Friday: 20.6. They jumped clear cross-country, had two rails in show jumping, yet secured the win thanks to their 10 point lead after dressage.

“I am a dressage rider,” Kuiper shared after their win. “I have not evented in seven years. This year I stepped back into the eventing world with the goal of the AECs. He was the Reserve Champion at the AECs in August. It’s so fun to be back eventing after I’ve been gone for so long. There’s nothing like galloping a Thoroughbred cross-country!”

Izabella Fierner and Devotion WGF, winners of the USEA Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championships at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

In the Junior Beginner Novice Championships with 17 starters, Izabella Fierner and Devotion WGF won on 29.3. Mae Boelter and Cooley Sligo, owned by Gerald Dolezal, were second on 30, and Mikayla Thomas and Bare Necessities were third on 31.3.

One of the most exciting moments of the show occurred late in the day on Sunday in the USEA Area VII Beginner Novice Amateur Championships, sponsored by Elizabeth Gold. Pressure was on Susan Harrel and her 10-year-old Irish Sporthorse mare, ODonnells Riverdancer, to jump clear. They succeeded, earning the Championship title, but also becoming the second-ever winner of The Arion Challenge. The Arion Challenge awards a custom Arion saddle to one Amateur rider/horse combination who wins both their Amateur divisions at the June and September Aspen Farms Horse Trials.

Winners of the Area VII Beginner Novice Amateur Championships and The Arion Challenge: Susan Harrel and her horse ODonnells Riverdancer, with Arion Sellier Stacy von Marenholtz. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.

“It’s hard to choose a favorite moment,” Harrel said after receiving her Championship trophy and posing for pictures with an Arion saddle. “My dressage was my best dressage score ever. Cross-country was a blast. Sometimes I get nervous jumping, but it was super fun. I was really proud of her. Sometimes she can be naughty in the warm-up, but she was very good this whole weekend. That was my favorite part.”

In addition to the eleven Championship divisions–which required competitors to qualify earlier in the season by finishing first through fifth at a qualifying show–Aspen Farms Horse Trials hosted ten Open divisions.

Sabrina Glaser of British Columbia turned out to be the one to beat in Open Intermediate, finishing first and second on Excalibur O’ Donoghue and Cooley Mr. Murphy, respectively.

“He was super!” Glaser said after her winning show jump round with “Huey,” a 7-year-old Irish Sporthorse gelding. “He jumped really well. He’s very careful. Silly me–I was thinking a bit too much about the time, so I got a little bit open, we got flat, and he took a rail behind. He’s still green, and at the beginning of this year in combinations he would jump clear, but he wouldn’t really rock back on the out, especially if he got too close. But today for both combinations he sat down and jumped around the jump. He’s fantastic; I’m really excited going forward.”

Of the fifteen competitors in Open Preliminary, only the first and second place finishers show jumped clear and inside the time. Caterina Ritson and This Lad is Gold won on 32.9, and Cayden Gaffney and Quidproquo, owned by Sophie Click, rocketed up the scoreboard from ninth to second on 35.5. Stephanie Goodman and HSH Clever Z, owned by Coco Ramkowsky, jumped clear but earned .4 time penalties, bumping them down to third on 35.7.

Aspen Farm Horse Trials: [Website] [Scores]

Imagine a Year Without Feed Bills: Enter EN’s ‘Free Feed for a Year’ Sweepstakes with Sentinel Horse Nutrition

By on Sep 15, 2025 3:38 pm -

We are all far too familiar the the budgeting that’s required to make a life with horses work. Sometimes, it’s down to the wire to make ends meet, and the bills are the most consistent presence in our lives.

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Sentinel Horse Nutrition to help one lucky duck alleviate some of that feed bill load with an epic sweepstakes to win a year’s supply of Sentinel Horse Feeds. Sentinel’s full line of precisely formulated feed has been a bit benefit for top riders like Sharon White and Ema Klugman, and the knowledgeable team at Sentinel Horse Nutrition is standing by to help you find the perfect solution for your own horse.

Here’s the scoop on our Free Feed for a Year Sweepstakes:

What’s the prize? A 12-month supply of Sentinel Horse Feed (One (1) ton of feed (est. retail value $1150)), plus a feature story on Eventing Nation about the winner and their horse. Additionally, two runner-ups will receive a gift bundle of Sentinel swag.

How to enter: Simply fill out this form by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 6, 2025. There is also an opportunity to earn bonus entries into our random drawing to determine a winner. For a bonus entry, follow @goeventing and @sentinelhorsefeed on Instagram, and share a photo of your horse with the hashtag #SentinelSweepstakes.

Who can enter: Some Terms & Conditions do apply to this Sweepstakes, including Must be resident of the following states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin. Must be 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.

When will the winner be announced? We’ll contact winners via email the week of October 13.

Ready to enter? Get started here — good luck and Go Eventing!

Weekend Winners: The Fork, GMHA, Flying Cross, Cedar Ridge, Skyline, & Aspen Farm

By on Sep 15, 2025 12:00 pm -

We’re starting our week off celebrating the successes of the weekend – no better way to get this Monday going! There was plenty of activity across the country, including our Area VII Championships!

Congrats to all on successful weekends, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Oscar, who won the Open Training at The Fork on an impressive 17.2 – adding a rail and a bit of time in the show jumping to their impressive dressage score of 12.4!

The Fork at Tryon (NC): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge (40.4)
CCI 3*S: Waylon Roberts and Chevalier (36.1)
CCI 2*L: Tim Bourke and Quality TNT (38.5)
CCI 2*S: Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri (27.7)
CCI 1*S: Lucienne Bellissimo and Hermine (32.6)
Advanced: Boyd Martin and Fetiche Des Rouges (57.6)
Open Intermediate: Harrison Chang and FE Always In Time (39.0)
Open Preliminary A: Kim Severson and Arden Juju (34.8)
Open Preliminary B: Caitlin Silliman and NK Mirabeau (33.7)
Preliminary Rider: Sterling Pollard and Tinto (40.0)
Modified A: Kyle Carter and Redfield Nola (23.2)
Modified B: Hannah Hawkins and Unico (30.2)
Open Training: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Oscar (17.2)
Training Rider A: Nicole Nair and Cooley Vita (27.6)
Training Rider B: Darci Burton and VS Correlli Surprise (26.0)
Novice Rider A: Abby Buenting and Calvin (23.9)
Novice Rider B: Pace Deppa and Toby The Coal Man (22.5)
Open Novice: Leila Saxe and FE High Five (19.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Jo Elwood and Fernhill Armani (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Ashley Monell and Bentley RFF (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Jamie Allison and Playboy’s Brilliance (25.6)

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Caroline Teich and Fürsten Dansil (37.1)
Modified Rider: Devon Champlain and Champagne Event (39.0)
Open Modified: Susan Gornall and Grey Area (35.6)
Junior Training: Leeci Rowsell and Corstowns Espresso Martini (31.3)
Open Training: Stephanie Jackson and Spartacus Q (34.7)
Training Rider: Alexandra Ryther and Who Can Charm (32.6)
Junior Novice A: Heidi Dodge and Rocket Man (33.1)
Junior Novice B: Serafina Deldon and Prince Renan (29.7)
Novice Rider A: Paige Beliveau and Pi Mensae (25.8)
Novice Rider B: Lisa Morrison and Viva la Vida (27.9)
Open Novice: Marcia Kulak and Balou’s Reventina Z (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Jennifer Lingeman and Marana Samson Jaydun (31.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Jay Teich and Fursten Liebling (32.2)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Mia Gillberg and RDM Ring of Happiness (31.6)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Skyley Hudson and Gin Rickey (32.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Alison Eastman-Lawler and KC’s Governor (29.7)
Open Beginner Novice B: Fiona Kling and Red Bird (32.8)

Flying Cross Farm Horse Trials: [Website][Scoring]

Open Modified: Ashley Johnson and Larkfield Sammy (40.2)
Open Training: Erin Rush and HEC Enchanted One (37.3)
Training Rider: Hannah Garner and Drumcrave Frank (32.6)
Novice Rider A: Fischer Kepper and Quality Rox (29.7)
Novice Rider B: Jennifer Boshart and Blaze of Charm (23.6)
Open Novice A: Hannah Bennett and Old Number 7 (29.4)
Open Novice B: Melanie Helms and Edelweiss du theil (26.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Parker Widmer and Stolen Silver (28.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Elizabeth Leonhardt and Cut to the Chase (28.4)
Open Beginner Novice A: Emily Hansen-Palmus and Finnegan’s Irish Dream (29.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Claire Tyner White and Global Stargazer (29.7)
Open Starter A: Holly Gossett and SBF Celtic Prince Dromard (35.0)
Open Starter B: Jamie Hernandez and US Warrior (22.7)
Starter Junior: Joshlyn Hernandez and Kynymont Indelibly Irish (31.3)

Cedar Ridge September Derby: [Website][Scoring]

Novice: Kajsa Kajander and Fiercely Brave (37.8)
Beg Novice: Zoey Hoffman and Ima Rain Storm (33.8)
Starter: Brooklyn Freeman and Oliver Twist (36.4)
Dressage Only: Pamela Bauer and Mikey Can Do It (66.8)
Green as Grass: Amyra Singla and Lolita (37.5)

The Event at Skyline: [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate/Preliminary: Travis Atkinson and Calzini (32.1)
Open Preliminary: Lindsay Wagner and GCS Ardeo Jupiter (29.0)
Open Training: Kate Swain and Rathcairn Henry (32.4)
Open Novice A: Holly Haglin and SV Infinite (28.2)
Open Novice B: Lindsay Wagner and Kindle MD (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice A: Savannah Gillmor and Felix Felicis (22.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Cece McElwee and Peanut (24.7)
Junior Starter Rider: Sage Widdison and Private Jet (36.1)
Senior Starter Rider: Stacey Christopherson and Dark Matter (25.7)
Open Starter: Elizabeth Gillmor and Meet George Jetson (29.0)
Open Pre-Comp Derby: Grace Lebrecht and Semper Laetus (33.3)
Open Tadpole: Sarah Woltman and Hijinx (29.4)
Open Amoeba Derby: Ellison Juarez and Special Unicorn (20.0)

Aspen Farm Horse Trials: [Website][Scoring]

Area VII Open Intermediate Championships: Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad (33.6)
Open Intermediate: Sabrina Glaser and Excalibur O’ Donoghue (49.0)
Area VII Open Preliminary Championships: Tommy Greengard and MBF Google (26.0)
Open Preliminary: Caterina Ritson and This Lad is Gold (32.9)
Panatonni Development Area VII Junior Training Championships: Olivia Harris and Checker Can (38.5)
Panatonni Development Area VII Training Amateur Championships: Hanni Sreenan and Enchanted (28.8)
Panatonni Development Area VII Open Training Championships: Jordan Linstedt and Liberty R (26.4)
Open Training A: Jordan Linstedt and Stealth (29.8)
Open Training B: Christine Ammann and Shrugs Love (32.1)
Area VII Junior Novice Championships: Emma Lee and Andiamo Baum (29.0)
Area VII Novice Area Championships: Melissa Mohr and Ferrani (22.2)
Olive Eq. & Caroline Pamukcu Eventing Area VII Open Novice Championships: Jenniver Turla and SV Royal Robbie (31.1)
Open Novice A: Cindy Marvin and Mr Manning (29.4)
Open Novice B: Dr. Crystal McRae and Pursha (23.6)
Open Novice C: Josie Cox and Banjo (39.3)
Area VII Junior Beginner Novice Championships: Izabella Fierner and Devotion WGF (29.3)
Area VII Beginner Novice Amateur Championships: Susan Harrel and ODonnells Riverdancer (22.2)
Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championships: Mikaela Kuiper and Smitten (28.6)
Open Beginner Novice A: Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Hickstead Herz (33.1)
Open Beginner Novice B: Kristin Maloney and Wild N Free (26.6)
Open Beginner Novice C: Brooklyn Morrissey and Kiss My Grits (29.1)

The Fork at Tryon: Another 4* Win for Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge

By on Sep 15, 2025 10:57 am -

Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Canada’s Lindsay Traisnel picked up a second consecutive CCI4*-S victory this weekend in North Carolina at The Fork at Tryon International. Teamed up with Patricia Pearce’s Bacyrouge, who is aimed at the MARS Maryland 5 Star next month, Lindsay made steady climbs up the leaderboard after beginning the week in eighth after dressage. On Sunday, Lindsay and “Dreamy” were the quickest around Clayton Fredericks’ cross country track to finish their weekend ahead of the rest on a score of 40.4.

Lindsay Traisnel move up into sixth place ahead of cross country. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“My focus was having this be a great prep for Maryland, so I was going to see what that meant with the cross country,” Lindsay said. She and her husband, Xavier, are road warriors, frequently driving 10+ hours to get to these key prep runs from their base in Windsor, Ontario. Despite some trailer trouble on the way down that doubled their travel time, the run proved to be worth the effort. Lindsay commended the grounds team for preparing the footing well — a challenge this time of year when ground can begin to dry and become harder — which allowed her to practice getting closer to the optimum time ahead of next month’s 5* run. “He came out really listening to me. So I was trying to go fast enough…He’s always been fast, it’s just been about the control. It’s more about not wasting time setting up.”

Lindsay now has her final real prep runs done for Maryland and will now focus on fine-tuning her dressage and show jumping ahead of next month’s Maryland 5 Star.

Boyd Martin and Miks Master C were the early leaders, scoring a 27.7 in the dressage. Photo by Marie Cobb for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd Martin was riding with some heavy emotions this week after suddenly losing one of his top up-and-comers, Barney Rubble, last week. He put in a solid weekend at the office with his three 4* entries, finishing second, third and fourth with the Luke 140 Syndicate’s Luke 140 (43.3), Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley (44.9) and Ocala Horse Properties’ Miks Master C (45.1). Miks Master C and Shanroe Cooley are currently entered in the US Equestrian Open Final of Eventing at Morven Park in October as their fall destination, while Like 140 should be headed to a CCI5*.

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

Boyd also earned enough points to overtake Phillip Dutton in the series leaderboard rankings, bringing his current point total to 250 to Phillip’s 215. Two key East Coast qualifiers remain in Unionville and Aiken, so it’ll be an all-out battle to the end to count their highest possible points out of six eligible qualifier runs for that $25,000 leaderboard bonus. You can view the full standings in terms of points as they stand currently here.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Christina Henriksen and Cisco’s Calor Z jumped their way up from 13th into fifth in the final standings. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Will Coleman and Very Dignified earned sixth place en route to their first 4*-L together at Morven Park next month. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Fork at Tryon (NC): [Website] [Scores]

Clarke Johnstone and Sparky Lad win the £45,000 ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup at Cornbury House Horse Trials

By on Sep 15, 2025 9:00 am -

Clarke Johnstone and Sparky Lad. Photo by Peter Nixon.

New Zealand rider Clarke Johnstone became the inaugural winner of the Arena Racing Company (ARC) Racehorse to Eventer Challenge at Cornbury House Horse Trials, which carries a £45,000 first prize – unprecedented in the sport of eventing at this level.

Clarke was riding Tim Boland’s Sparky Lad, an Australian-bred former Flat racehorse. The pair led from the start, adding nothing to their dressage score of 26.2 across country and then showjumping clear in front of a large crowd on Saturday to hold off second-placed Ben Lee Liles and Finch Fancy.

Sparky Lad, a son of Smart Missile out of the More Than Ready mare Lady Hepburn, ran on the Flat in Australia for leading trainer Chris Waller.

A delighted Clarke said: “This is the biggest prize I’ve won during my career – the prize is amazing and the initiative is fantastic, so thank you very much to Jayne McGivern, David Howden and Arena Racing Company. Ex-racehorses are wonderful athletes and they try their best for you. I hope that this class encourages top riders to ask their local racehorse trainer whether they have a horse that might suit eventing.

“That’s what happened with Sparky Lad – his owner, Tim Boland, runs Limitless Lodge, which is a leading breaking and pre-training yard just north of Sydney. He pre-trained Sparky and identified him as a horse that could go on to succeed in eventing. Sparky went into training with Chris Waller and this horse is what Tim described as a ‘handy horse’ in that he ran more than 30 times and clocked up over $250,000 [Australian dollars], winning four times and was placed six times.

“Sparky has such a beautiful mind – he is the same every day and tries very hard.”

Clarke and Sparky Lad are presented with prizes by Jayne McGivern, Caroline Cruddace – wife of ARC CEO Martin Cruddace – and David Howden. Photo by Peter Nixon.

As well as the £45,000 cheque, Clarke was also awarded the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup – a George III silver perpetual trophy. Every year, the winning owner in this class will receive the silver-plated horse shoe of a Derby winner – the first of which, for 2025, was that of Golden Horn, who took the world’s premier Classic race in 2015 and who is owned by Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud, who conceived and created the ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup alongside David Howden, president and founder of Cornbury House Horse Trials. Sparky Lad also won his weight in KeyFlow horse feed.

Ben Lee Liles and Finch Fancy, a diminutive mare by Arvico he owns alongside Charlie Ainsworth, were second, finishing on their 28.1 dressage mark and taking home £2,000 in the process.

Finch Fancy ran in a point-to-point and three National Hunt bumpers.

“She’s very competitive at CCI3* level, but she’s not the easiest to ride as she’s quite feisty,” said Ben. “She loves cross-country and is a great jumper. I’ve had some extra help with my dressage recently from Douglas Hibbett to polish things up. We got a personal best in the dressage, so that was amazing.”

He explained: “Some friends of mine had her in training and ran her in bumpers and wanted to get her jumping, but she was lacking in confidence, so they sent her to me for a couple of weeks to see if I could help. When I jumped her, I thought, ‘Wow, here’s a thoroughbred who wants to go airborne over fences’. I did an 80cm clear round with her at the end of the week and she was brilliant, so I said to the owners after that that if they ever wanted her to have another career, I would have her, and now here we are.”

Alexander Tordoff and the lovely grey Jack Randall, who is owned by Louise Heard, were third. They added 1.2 cross-country time-faults to a 27.7 dressage.

“He’s heading to the eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S class at Blenheim next week, so I brought him here for a confidence boost and to get him in a big atmosphere, and Cornbury has really delivered on that front,” said Alex. “His owner bought him for herself three or four years ago out of a field and having never been over a pole. He was very cheap and he’s turned out to be the most lovely, wonderful horse in every way, with a lot of ability and heart.”

Photo by Peter Nixon.

Jack Randall, by Cityscape out of a Sakhee’s Secret mare, ran 14 times on the Flat when trained by Tim Easterby and then Iain Jardine.

The ARC Racehorse to Eventer Challenge attracted 44 starters in its first year, and many figures from the racing world gathered at Cornbury House Horse Trials on Saturday to watch its conclusion, including Nicky Henderson, Kim Bailey, Ben Pauling and Nico de Boinville. The class was one of the highlights of this immensely popular horse trials, which features FEI eventing classes at CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S level, the British Eventing Young Horse National Championships and classes for under-21 riders supported by The Howden Way.

Monday News & Notes from Morven Park Fall International CCI & H.T.

By on Sep 15, 2025 12:01 am -

We have a winner! Congratulations to Simone Cardosa and her horse Toast, who are recipients of a scholarship from the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund and the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation! The funding support from this scholarship will help Simone and Toast compete in a USEA Classic Three-Day event at Hagyard Midsouth in Kentucky this fall. If you’ve not heard of this great opportunity and a Classic Three-Day is on your bucket list, check out the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund here.

Major International Events

Cornbury House Horse Trials: [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

U.S. Weekend Results

The Fork at Tryon (NC): [Website] [Scores]

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website] [Scores]

Bouckaert Farm Schooling Show: [Website] [Scores]

Glen Oro Autumn Horse Trials: [Website] [Scores]

Flying Cross Farm Horse Trials: [Website] [Scores]

Alhambra Fall Event: [Website [Scores]

Cedar Ridge September Derby: [Website] [Scores]

The Event at Skyline: [Website] [Scores]

Aspen Farm Horse Trials: [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

Starts today! We’re teaming up with Sentinel Horse Nutrition to give away a year’s worth of Sentinel Horse Feeds! This sweepstakes will open for entries today (September 15) and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on October 6. You can full the full terms and conditions + enter for your chance to win a big break for your bank account here.

Would you try bridleless riding with your horse? Many an eventer has dabbled in this, and for Olympic eventer Sharon Hunt, switching the bit for the au natural look has worked wonders with one particular horse. Sharon tried out the swap on a horse that was having difficult stretching out and down and into the bridle. Once she tossed out the traditional approach, she began to notice a real change. Read more about the transformation here.

Popular Horse & Country series, Riding with the Reddens, is currently in the works for a third season. This show follows the Redden family and their eventing aspirations as they navigate the highs and lows of the sport. Read more about the faces in front of the camera here.

Ros Canter’s Defender Burghley win was out of this world for a multitude of reasons. Dive into some EquiRatings details about her and Lordships Graffalo’s repeat victory here.

Sponsor Corner: Morven Park Fall International CCI & H.T.

There’s loads of excitement building toward the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park, October 9-12 in Leesburg, VA. With $200,000 + other cash bonuses and bragging rights on the line at this first-of-its-kind event, there’s not a moment to be missed. Entries are continuing to pile in, with prominent figures such as Boyd Martin and Tamie Smith set to make a run for the win. Don’t wait to grab your VIP tickets or reserve your free general admission tickets here!

Video Break

The love of the Thoroughbred ran deep this weekend at Cornbury House in the UK, which hosted the inaugural ARC Cornbury Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup.

Eventing Returns to the International Stage at Wesley Clover Parks

By on Sep 14, 2025 9:00 am -

An aerial view of Wesley Clover Parks. Photo by Randy Harquail.

Ottawa’s Wesley Clover Parks is stepping firmly onto the global map this fall as it welcomes international eventing back to Ottawa. From September 26–28, the facility will host its first FEI-sanctioned eventing competition (fresh off the heels of hosting the RBC Ottawa International CSI5* and CSI2*), the Eventing at the Park CCI1* CCI2* presented by Omega Alpha, running alongside the Eastern Canadian Eventing Championships.

This moment marks far more than another date on the calendar – it’s the realization of a bold vision for the 500-acre venue, one that positions Wesley Clover Parks as one of just three places in North America, and the only in Canada, to host international competition across all three Olympic equestrian disciplines: eventing, show jumping, and dressage.

The road to this point has been paved with significant investment and future-thinking ambition. Driven by a passion among organizing committee members and strengthened by generous local support, including the Laframboise Family Legacy Donation, Wesley Clover Parks has been steadily transforming its cross country footprint, with upgrades to turf footing, an expanded inventory of jumps, and a complete redesign of the water complex. These enhancements not only modernize the course but ensure that Canada continues to have a world-class destination for developing both horses and riders.

That commitment to the future is at the core of The Parks’ philosophy. At a time when eventing venues across North America are dwindling, this facility stands as a rare and vital resource: unique in its location in the heart of a major metropolitan area, yet expansive enough to offer galloping ground and challenging, championship-quality tracks. For riders and fans alike, it offers a blend of accessibility and top-level sport that is nearly unmatched.

“This is about more than just adding an FEI date,” explains Executive Director Karen Sparks. “It’s about building a sustainable future for equestrian sport in Canada and creating opportunities for the next generation of riders. Our long-term vision is to position Wesley Clover Parks as a hub for major international championships, while also keeping the community at the heart of what we do.”

Photo by Delaney Graham Photography.

Entries for Eventing at the Parks close September 19, with ribbons awarded to eighth place and prizes on offer. Competitor accommodations are available at the on-site campground or through partner hotels, and full details can be found at ottawaequestriantournaments.com.

For a sport that thrives on history, legacy, and vision, Wesley Clover Parks represents a future where Canada’s riders can once again take center stage at home. And this September, the journey begins.

Sunday Links

By on Sep 14, 2025 12:01 am -

Tearjerker alert! At this year’s American Eventing Championships, the USEA proudly presented the Adult Pony Rider Award in Memory of Avery Dudasch to none other than Vicki Dudasch, Avery’s mom. Vicki piloted Avery’s beloved Connemara pony, Gracefully Dun (now 19!), to a top-10 finish in the USEA Starter Amateur Championship, while also earning the honor of highest-placed pony in the division.

Avery valiantly battled a rare form of brain cancer before passing away in 2012 at just 11 years old. Two years later, this special award was created in her memory to celebrate adult riders and their pint-sized partners. Congratulations to Vicki, Grace, and the entire Dudasch family on this meaningful recognition.

Major International Events

Cornbury House Horse Trials: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Fork at Tryon (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

Bouckaert Farm Schooling Show: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Glen Oro Autumn Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountryApp XC Maps]

Flying Cross Farm Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountryApp XC Maps]

Alhambra Fall Event: [Website [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountryApp XC Maps]

Cedar Ridge September Derby: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

The Event at Skyline: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Scoring]

Aspen Farm Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountryApp XC Maps]

Links & Reading

‘Riders need to know their horses well’: watch Kitty King walk key fences on the Blenheim European Championships cross-country course

Mental Health and Burnout in the Equestrian World: USEA Grooms Program Roundtable

Horse Vs. Calendar: How Do I Keep It Together When The Plan Falls Apart?

Behind Every Brave Horse Kid Is A Brave Horse Parent

Video Break

A don’t-miss episode of the Dear Horse World podcast with 5* rider Matt Brown:

Seneca Valley Pony Club Hosts Successful Fall Event in its 36th Annual Year

By on Sep 13, 2025 9:00 am -

Photo by Amy Flemming-Waters.

Last weekend at Defender Burghley Horse Trials, I watched horses and riders tackle what’s considered the most demanding cross-country course in the world (I was watching online; sometime, I’d love to go in person!). It’s easy to forget, when you are watching the finished product at the top level, that these horses and their riders started somewhere. Lordships Graffalo was once a four-year-old contesting his first event. Ros Canter was once a child doing her first competition. It takes years—sometimes decades for the riders—to climb the levels and make it to a competition like Burghley.

But they all began somewhere.

That’s why I think it’s important to highlight our local events, where horses and riders are made, and where people are introduced to this wonderful sport. My first taste of eventing came as a pony clubber at my local pony club field, Bittersweet Field, which hosts a recognized Horse Trials each spring and fall.

Like owning an event horse, running an event is not exactly a money-making endeavor. The effort required to purchase and maintain the jumps, mow the facility, hire officials and course designers, aerate the ground, organize volunteers, and coordinate ride times and scheduling is no small feat (to be honest, I’m not sure how show secretaries stay sane creating and then shifting around everyone’s ride times!). The costs are astronomical, and I don’t think competitors always realize or appreciate what goes into these events when they just drive in and show up to compete for the day. There is a huge team working behind the scenes before, during, and after the event to allow everyone to compete successfully and safely.

Photo by Amy Flemming-Waters.

The Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials is a great example of a local event with high standards and an army of dedicated volunteers. Located in the heart of Area II, within an hour of Washington, DC, the event hosts every level from Starter to Intermediate. Seneca has several Pony Club volunteers who have been giving their time and effort to the event for well over 20 years—as organizers, stewards, and volunteers in other various positions. Most of these volunteers started as members of the pony club, or parents of members, and many of them continue to volunteer their time years and years later.

But Seneca puts more than time into its event; it puts a huge number of resources into being a top-class facility. Recent improvements at the event include complete renovation of the water complex last winter, which required removing and replacing the old footing and liner; purchasing 23 new cross-country jumps; updating and re-painting 78 additional cross-country jumps; building a new “grob” mound complex with novel terrain, in honor of the late Packy McGaughan; and entirely refurbishing the show jumps.

Photo by Amy Flemming-Waters.

Of course, when a local event puts incredible time, effort, and money into a show, they hope to be supported with entries. The entry fees help to offset the costs of running the show, and for this club specifically, to help support pony club activities for members. At the recent event, the show received over 280 entries, which was a wonderful reward for all of the work put into the event.

So please support your local events—ride, compete, volunteer, sponsor—in any way that you can. At Seneca, all three phases are held on beautiful grass footing. You never know—there could be some future Burghley horses and riders doing their first events on that grass, the stars of the future for the years and decades to come.