Classic Eventing Nation

A Healthy Weight for Myself: Eventer Edition

By on Mar 29, 2025 12:00 pm -

Photo by Alyson Saxon and In Frame Photography.

I have been on a weight reduction journey since the end of December. My weight is not usually something that I have struggled with. I am lucky to be in the fitness industry and not have body dysmorphia. I have my own struggles but this is not one of them.

At the end of last year, I was quickly approaching an unhealthy weight and trending in the wrong direction. I was not feeling confident in my body and did a photo shoot in December that I was not happy with how I looked or felt in my own skin. I was up two pant sizes, and I really was unhappy with the photoshoots I was doing for my fitness business. This resulted in a major shift in the way I was fueling my body.

This journey has not been easy and A LOT slower than I expected. My first five pounds came off pretty easy. However, I plateaued right about 150lbs. I finally started using a weight loss app. For the first time in my life, I was counting calories. I had no idea how many calories I was consuming even though they were healthy (mostly plant) choices.

At the beginning of this journey I set an arbitrary goal weight. Based on having a lower BMI. One thing, I didn’t take into account, is that I am a fairly muscular person. All that is to say, I am about 10 lbs away from my original goal weight, but down 10+ pounds from where I started. I am very happy in my skin right now, I feel strong and I am ecstatic with my progress. Going further to make the point that the weight on the scale is just a number. I feel confident in the saddle and when I look in the mirror.

Exercise and Weight Loss

Exercise and weight loss pair well together. However, you cannot strictly exercise into significant weight loss. Also, it is important to emphasis here there is no such thing as spot reduction. A whole bunch of crunches will not lead to 6 pack abs. I have a few clients that have come to me for weight loss when I have sent them to work with a nutritionist instead because it really is a degree of its own for a reason.

I am not someone who exercises because I love exercising. I realized from an early age that I needed to do it not only to improve my riding but truly to make a difference in my injury prevention. I love riding, it really excites my soul. Exercise on the other hand is like brushing my teeth, I do it for my health. My favorite part about is usually when it is done.

There is No Such Thing as Spot Reduction

Even though I do not do core exercises to have defined abs or a thinner waist, I do train a lot of core work myself, and with my clients. Improved core stability helps a rider maintain an independent seat and absorb the movement of the horse without bouncing or gripping. Engaging the abdominals and lower back muscles helps riders maintain proper posture reducing fatigue. A well-conditioned core allows for more effective and precise movement, allowing you to move your hands and legs without impacting stability.

The exercise for today’s workout is the alternating crunch. This works the obliques and the deep stabilizer muscles of the low back. These are essential for maintain balance, stability and control in the saddle.

Alternating Crunch

This effective exercise will get to targeting your core.

  • Start on your back with your feet on the floor
  • Bring your hands to your head, but do not pull on your head
  • Trying to keep your feet on the floor sit-up, and bring your right elbow to your left knee
  • Come back down to the start position
  • Then sit-up again bring your left elbow to you right knee
  • Go back and forth until you hit to minutes or you can no longer maintain form

Want to get some tailored support for your own fitness program? Laura Crump Anderson and Hidden Heights Fitness are currently accepting new clients! Click here to learn more and sign up. 

Galway Downs Jumps to Near-Certainty as 2028 Olympic Equestrian Host

By on Mar 29, 2025 9:00 am -

The LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee’s proposal to have Galway Downs host the Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions jumped to a near-certainty this week.

On Wednesday, March 26, the Ad Hoc Olympic and Paralympic Committee of the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved LA28’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competition in various sports. Proposed venues were initially announced in June of 2024, as amendments to the 2028 Games’ venue master plan. This included proposing Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events.

The LA28 Ad Hoc Olympic Committee’s vote to approve new venue proposals was ratified by the entire Los Angeles City Council on Friday, March 28. Final approval by the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board is expected in early April.

When the IOC approval is announced, Galway Downs and the local host committee will release further information and regular updates. Please send your name and email to Kim F. Miller to receive the latest news.

How We Got Here

Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Galway Downs Equestrian began its pursuit of the LA28 Equestrian and Para Equestrian competition four years ago.

Game-changing investments in the venue’s infrastructure, safety and hospitality put Galway Downs in pitch position for the Games. That dovetailed with the IOC’s insistence on sustainability, legacy and fiscal responsibility in evaluating venue change proposals. In addition, Galway’s ability to host all three equestrian events meets new IOC mandates.

Under the recent ownership by entrepreneurs Ken and Tina Smith, and with international three-day eventing organizer Robert Kellerhouse at Galway’s equestrian helm, the venue has proven its ability to stage international three-day eventing and dressage competition over several years.

Ali and Francie Nilforushan are equally critical to Galway’s Olympic odyssey thanks to the investments, innovations and visions manifested in their Nilforushan Equisport Events’ hunter/jumper competitions. Their ground-breaking emphasis on quality in everything from arena footing to VIP amenities launched with multi-week shows in 2018.

This year, the International Equestrian Federation bestowed international “CSI3*” status on the Nilforushans’ Spring and Fall show jumping events at Galway Downs. This recent news reflects global enthusiasm and embrace for the venue. And it completes the Galways trifecta of hosting highest-level events in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines.

Located in the Temecula Valley’s Valle de los Caballos – “Valley of the Horses” – Galway Downs embodies the 242-acre property’s “A Legend Reborn” motto.

“Temecula is a great tourist town and an attractive place to host an event like this,” asserts Ken Smith, Citizen of the Year nominee and recipient of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce’s Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year. “And I think it’s going to help the equestrian world come together. I hope it helps us work together more going forward – between the different disciplines that often don’t talk to each other. I hope it can be a way to protect and advance the equestrian lifestyle for everybody.”

Hosting Olympic Equestrian and Para Equestrian is phase-one of groundswelling support for creating a permanent equestrian lifestyle in the beautiful Temecula Valley. As opportunities to own and enjoy horses disappear in much of the country, the Temecula effort and its many supporters are determined to buck that trend.

Stay abreast of Galway Downs Equestrian news on GalwayDownsEquestrian.com, Facebook, Instagram and via the Galway Gazette monthly newsletter.

Galway Downs International Horse Trials: Tamie Smith Leads 3 of 4 Divisions

By on Mar 29, 2025 1:13 am -

Tamie Smith and Kynan. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Riding a high from the latest milestone in Galway Downs’ path to hosting LA28 Olympic equestrian competition, several of the event’s 50 international competitors tried to put themselves on that same path today.

Today, the Los Angeles City Council formally approved the LA28 Organizing Committee’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competitions in various sports – including Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events. A final approval from the International Olympic Committee is expected in early April and will fully finalize the plan.

Even for those not on an Olympic path, there’s plenty at stake this weekend. Successful outings can earn both qualification and experience for the USEA’s American Eventing Championships. They’ll be held in California for the first time ever, at Galway Downs August 26-30. This weekend’s CCI4*-S is also a qualifier for the US Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October.

The CCI Short format competitions for 2*, 3*, and 4* divisions held dressage and show jumping today, with the cross-country decider set for Saturday. The CCI1* division took place Thursday evening and concludes with Saturday’s cross-country.

Tamie Smith continues her reign in the realm, leading the three highest divisions. And her daughter Kaylawna Smith-Cook leads the 1*

CCI4*-S: Smith Sails to Lead

Tamie Smith and Kynan, 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood, were fault free over new course designer Brody Robertson’s show jumping track to stick on a 28.1 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Sukhdev Rathore. They’ll head out on cross-country in the lead – but not by a lot.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, an 11-year-old Westphalian, were also clear to stay on their 30.1 effort. Megan McIver and Igor B had just 1.4 time faults to stand third on a 32.4.

Smith said Kynan “came out this year as a different horse. This sport is always a progression – for all the horses – and Kynan is mentally and physically stronger this year.” Working with Australian show jumper and former eventer Scott Keach has been a big help, Smith added. “I am a student of the sport and always trying to get better with all my horses.”

O’Neal had high praise for the show jumping course. “I come from jumpers, so I love the turns. There were fun, different elements with the outside bending lines, and the triple bar to two uprights. It walked forward and rode forward, and I loved it.”

Cross-country, designed by Galway Downs veteran Clayton Fredericks, “has plenty of places where I’ll need to sit up and ride and I am more confident about doing that after today’s course.”

Regardless how tomorrow goes, “This is a big day for me,” O’Neal shared. An incident while jogging another horse last fall resulting in a broken hip, a hip replacement and months of rehab. During that stretch, Clooney had time off, so having rider and horse back in form is a thrilling step, said the Washington-based professional. A good day tomorrow will help them achieve a major goal of qualifying for the US Open of Eventing.

CCI3*-S: Smith and Lillet 3 Blaze the Trail

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

This division’s top three after dressage stayed the same after show jumping as Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 lead on a 25.4 from Marilyn Payne. Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood, are hot on their heels with a 26, and Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF, a 10-year-old Oldenburg, are third with a 28.3.

Smith and the relatively new ride continue a promising partnership highlighted by winning the Fall International CCI3*-L here last year. The elegant mare is a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by rising star young rider Molly Duda. They’ve gone from strength to strength and Smith plans to step her up to CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers Ranch in April.

Tommy Greengard is another exhibitor over the moon about his horse, in this case his own “Josh.” It’s their first outing since finishing as reserve national champion in the USEF CCI4*-L Championships in the fall of 2023, Greengard and Josh’s mutual debut at the level. Josh had a minor injury last spring. Meanwhile, Greengard spent several months competing in Europe and “adding new tools to our toolbox and gaining so much more experience and understanding.”

Josh’s comeback could not have gone better. “He is a through and through professional and he never fails to be a showman,” Greengard said. “He has returned so much stronger because we worked on his strength and fitness more than we ever have.”

CCI2*-S: Smith Has Top Two Spots

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Tamie Smith dominates another division so far, leading this16-entry field after two phases. Her leader is Kareena, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare, whose flawless show jumping added nothing to their 23.2 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Christel Carlson.

With Solaguayre Cantata, Smith is 2nd on a 27.4. Like Kareena K, the 7-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred is owned by longtime supporter Julianne Guariglia. And both are “such quality mares,” Smith said. “They are very good on the flat and have amazing gallops, so I’m really excited for tomorrow.”

Having just completed a walk of all four international cross-country courses, Smith described the routes as full of fair challenges and big questions. Smooth rounds will the goal for all her contenders, she said.

Amber Birtcil and Milagro, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood, head out on Saturday cross-country on a third-standing 28.5.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook kept the division leads in the family by riding Coco Chanel, a 7-year-old Holsteiner. Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z, a 7-year-old Zangersheide, follow them, with Megan McIver and Storm Dino, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, in third before cross-country.

Tune-In Tomorrow!

The International Horse Trials action continues Saturday, with CCI1*-S cross-country starting at 8:30 a.m.

CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S cross-country will be livestreamed on Equestrian+ starting at 1:30 PST. If you can’t make it out, commentators Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Spencer Sturmey of Great Britian bring the action and their expertise to you!

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 29, 2025 12:01 am -

The Go Eventing Podcast and the Horse Person podcast have teamed up for some discussion over on Instagram, and we want to know your thoughts! Head on over to @goeventing or @horsepersonpodcast on Instagram to join the conversation.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Mark Your Calendar for the Bucks for Bayou Benefit at the Colorado Horse Park

2032 Olympic venue proposal ‘confirms expectations’ of horse sport at the Games

Dry Conditions, Helene Debris Fuel Fires And Force Horse Evacuations

Breaking Down The Role Of The Steward

Ultrasonography’s Role in Equine Lameness Cases

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

How much World Equestrian Brands gear can you spot in this reel? Hint: there’s plenty of it!

Video Break

Preview a busy 2025 season on Horse & Country!

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl Lead B&D Builders CCI4*-S at The Event at TerraNova

By on Mar 28, 2025 7:20 pm -

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Just before the lunch break in the B&D Builders CCI4*-S dressage, Hallie Coon and the impeccable gray mare “Cute Girl” performed a foot perfect test to take the lead (28.5) from Phillip Dutton, who held the top three placings all morning. Caroline Pamukcu and Redfield Dexter had a bold, forward test to slot into third place (33.5).

Coon said, “Cute Girl took pity on me because I’ve had the flu for the past three days and have been really out of it. She was super mellow and went in there and worked with me. I couldn’t be happier with her.”

Coon has spent the past two years based in Europe, training with British team coach Dickie Waygood as well as dressage coach Olivia Oakley, and will go back after Kentucky.

“It’s a great system, it’s really clicked with us and I wouldn’t have it any other way, I’m really happy,” she said.

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A native of Maine, Coon was based in Wellington, Florida over the winter and spent most of the time training at home. “She hasn’t competed a lot, we’ve really been focusing on the basics mostly, it was a good opportunity to focus on that and really get her with me, because I think that’s the most important thing with mares.”

Coon and her groom arrived at TerraNova yesterday with four horses, so she’s had a busy start to the weekend. “It’s my first time here and it’s magical,” she said. “I just can’t get over the facility; not just the spectacle of it, but the details – the water fountains and the wash racks, it’s just unbelievable. I’m really excited to explore more, it’s just beautiful.”

Following dressage, Dutton is placed second on Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (32.9); fourth on Denim (33.9), owned by Anne Lapides, Caroline Moran, Ann Jones and Neill Sites; fifth on Jewelent (34.2) owned by the Juwelent Group; and sixth on Possante (34.7) owned by the Possante Group.

Phillip Dutton said, “We’re on our way back to Pennsylvania after wintering in Florida and decided to run the four of them here. Logistically it seemed like a smart thing to do but it’s a lot of horses for me to ride in one four-star,” he admitted.

Recapping his horses’ performances this morning Dutton said, “Possante was faultless in his test, he just wasn’t that flamboyant but I was pleased with the way he went. Similarly with Denim, he went well and I probably lost him a bit in the canter, but he behaved well. Quasi Cool had a good amount of energy and was relaxed but behaved well. Jewelent was workmanlike but very good.”

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Dutton is currently ranked number one on the US Equestrian Open of Eventing leaderboard and said, “I think the US Open is a great addition to the calendar, especially having prize money, it’s a win-win for everybody. Obviously, you have to do the right thing for your horse and his career but if I can, I’ll go to those events over the other ones.”

While he hasn’t walked the cross-country course yet, Dutton competed at TerraNova last fall and felt that the course then was big and fair, and he said he’s looking forward to getting out on course. “Another reason we come here is it’s an incredible venue for the horses and the owners, they always have a great time,” he said.

Course designer Alec Lochore said, “One of the things I like to do at all of the venues where I design is, even if you follow the same route, the features have got to be different every time so people don’t come back and see the same thing. We’ve changed the route quite a lot between the spring last year and the fall event.

With the fact that it’s a US Open [qualifier] event, you’ve got to really reward the horses and riders who are positive. The alternatives we’ve tried to make quite long, so they take a lot of time if you use them, and there are some combinations where there are no alternatives – it’s get in or go home. For example if you do the alternative at the second water, it’s very easy but it’s going to take you ten or more seconds. There’s a lot of prize money at stake, both from the event and in the US Open, so people who are brave can be rewarded.”

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-S, William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS surpassed the division of 42 entries with an outstanding score of 19.0. The have a solid lead ahead of second-placed Kelly Seidel on Chico’s Man VDF Z (30.2) in second and Mya Poulos on Cock A Doodle Do (30.5) in third.

Coleman said, “Chin Tonic is an exceptional horse on the flat. He’s a beautiful horse. I think our goal coming here this weekend was a nice relaxed test in a very real atmosphere, which TerraNova provides, and I think by and large we accomplished that. The score is really nice, but I think more than anything we wanted to come here and feel like we went through all of the warm-ups and pre-rides having the horse in a good, relaxed place and confident and happy in what he’s doing. It was a good day for us.”

Coleman is riding six horses total this weekend, from Novice through the Three-Star level. Following The Event at TerraNova he plans to run Chin Tonic in the CCI4*-S at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and then compete at the CHIO Aachen (Germany) this summer, then finish the year with the Morven CCI4*-L.

“We won’t contest a five-star this year, but we’re trying to work backwards from the World Championships at Aachen next year and put ourselves in a position to get on a team and go to that Championship representing our country.”

Competition began on Friday, March 28 and continues through Sunday, March 30, featuring competition from Starter through the CCI4*-S level. Spectators are invited to attend with free daily admission, on-site food trucks, and children’s activities such as Mini Horsemanship Camp on both Saturday and Sunday!

Saturday
Competition begins at 8:00am

  • Feature event: FEI Show Jumping & National Cross-Country
  • Special activities: Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: VIP Brunch (10:30am – 3:00pm)
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)

Sunday
Competition begins at 8:15am

  • Feature event: FEI Cross-Country & National Show Jumping
  • Special activities:
    • Non-denominational service (7:30am) on the back patio of the show office
    • Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: Family Breakfast in the Pavilion (8:30am – 12pm), purchase tickets at the door: $30/adults and $15/children
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, open viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)

Volunteers are still needed for Sunday! If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer, please click here to inquire. For every volunteer hour worked, $20 will be donated to Easterseals SWFL. No previous horse experience is required. We have roles for all levels, interests, and abilities!

Can’t make it to Myakka City? Stream it LIVE, presented by Keyflow Feeds.

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

Product Review: Dressage TestPro

By on Mar 28, 2025 12:30 pm -

Some people have a mind like a steel trap, while others have a mind more like a colander. I, unfortunately, am the latter. Not trying to brag, but if you need something forgotten, I’m your girl. I’m still trying to live down that one time I went to an event 3 hours away and forgot both of my saddles.

As you can imagine, I’m also not exactly the quickest when it comes to learning dressage tests. For those of you who can get to a show, look at your test, and then immediately go ride it, I heartily salute you (with only the tiniest bit of malice in my heart). That’s just not a skill I have.

Back in the day you could find me a few days before a show with a dressage court sketched out on a piece of paper, trailing my finger along the path, and the test pulled up on my computer screen. I must not have been the only one, because it turns out there’s an app for that, just much better, smarter, and more advanced than my old-fashioned paper method. Enter: Dressage TestPro.

I’ve been using this app for years, and at this point I couldn’t even tell you how I found out about it (because, duh, I forgot) but it’s become a staple of my horse show prep. And while yes, it is very convenient to have every test you could ever need right therein one place in your phone, it’s the tools contained within the app itself that have made it so incredibly helpful and invaluable to me.

The app allows you to watch the test movements being drawn out, as one way to practice.

When you open up the app, you can choose your dressage test from the menu. Once you click into it, the app pulls up a page with the dressage court (short or long, depending on the test) and a list of the movements. You can click through the movements to see it laid out in the court, or you can take your finger and draw the test out yourself. It shows you the track once you complete it (assuming you were right), or if you get stuck you can click back into the list or click the arrow forward or back at the bottom to see the movement listed out. It’s pretty much what I did before with a pen and paper, but considerably better and more efficient.

Over the years I’ve learned that I’m a bit of a mix between an auditory and visual learner, and this app offers both. At the bottom of the screen you can turn on the sound, and the app will read you the directives as you scroll through. You can also hit the Moves button in the upper right corner and the app will bring up a page of the movement diagrams, the directives, and how many points the movement is worth (this page can also be shared as a PDF, which is neat!).

You can also draw the movements yourself, as another form of practice.

Usually when opening up a new test I’ll go to the Moves screen first, read through all the movements and the directives, then hit Play at the bottom and have the app draw it out movement by movement with the audio on. After that I’ll start taking a stab at drawing it out myself on the screen. Not only is it beneficial for me to have all the test information right there, but it also helps me learn the test much more quickly since I can visualize how I want to ride each movement as I’m drawing it out. If at any point I get lost, I can scroll forward or back, or pull up the list of movements, OR go to the Moves page for the diagrams. Much, much easier than trying to refer back to a website, find your place, and then try to get going again. It’s easier to focus when you have everything right there at your disposal, thus it’s much easier and faster to learn.

I think the best thing about this app is that there are just so many options, depending on how you learn best. Even if you’re a whiz at learning your test, it seems like it would still be incredibly valuable for professionals or people showing multiple horses who are often riding several different tests at a time. Being able to grab your phone, go to one place, and quickly find and scroll through an easy-to-read version of your dressage test (or even have the app read it out to you while you’re getting ready) is super convenient. No more Google searches or squinting at a screen… that’s so 2015.

As for the cost, I feel like the $2.99 monthly subscription (or $29.99/year) is totally worthwhile. Earlier this year I went through and unsubscribed from a bunch of apps, including this one, and let me tell you how long that lasted: right up until the next horse show. I re-subscribed immediately. It has become a “need” for me and it’s pretty easy to justify that much money per month if it helps me learn and remember my dressage test. I’d call it a real “please take my money” situation. Now if only it could help me find a distance… we really need an app for that.

Whether you want access to USEF tests for eventing, FEI tests, USDF tests, or some combination of both, there’s a Dressage TestPro version for you! Check out their website here or search in your app marketplace for the latest version.

How EN Does Product Reviews:

We believe that product reviews are the most useful when they’re honest. We will always let you know if we’ve been compensated in some way for writing a product review; in all review cases, we reserve the right to write with honesty on our experience with a product. This review of Dressage TestPro was compensated as a part of an advertising package. This review reflects our writer’s full experience using this product.

Hold Your Horses: Adelaide Equestrian Festival Returns in May with Stunning Four-Day Line-up

By on Mar 28, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Parlàre PR.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is set to return from May 1-4, 2025 with more than 70 elite equestrian athletes and their horses taking to the arena and cross country course for a truly spectacular, family-friendly event.

As the only 5* equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere and the only horse trials held in the heart of a major city anywhere in the world, this prestigious event delivers a vibrant, action-packed four-day showcase of disciplines including dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the event was always a delight for spectators and equine enthusiasts. This year will mark the 25th year of the festival taking place in South Australia. This world class festival attracts a significant influx of interstate and international visitors alongside South Australians looking to witness the very finest athleticism and horsemanship.

“We welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi in 2024 and we anticipate this number to grow as the sport of eventing continues to gain momentum following a successful performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Mr. Rolton said. “While the LA 2028 Olympics and 2032 home soil Brisbane Olympics may seem like a long way away, it is at this point that our experienced and rising Australian equestrian athletes are already in training and preparing in order to be considered for the Australian team.”

“It’s not often that you can find a sporting event that caters to everyone. We’re incredibly proud to showcase the very best equestrian athletes from around the country while ensuring that even the youngest attendees are entertained with live music, kids’ activations and a newly expanded family-friendly food and beverage offering,” Mr. Rolton continued.

The only eventing competition set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.

The 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:

Thursday May 1: Through the generosity of ResourceCo, Thursday is free to attend for all spectators. With an array of food and beverage vendors on site, a dedicated marketplace for all your retail needs and the first day of the dressage competition – you’ll be sure to have a relaxing day in the Adelaide Park Lands. A great one for anyone with young children looking for an exciting day out!

Friday May 2: Friday sees spectators experiencing a graceful but highly competitive display of dressage thanks to Pryde’s Easifeed. Soak in all the action from the iconic Victoria Grand Stand and enjoy the picturesque park lands. Plus, you can start your weekend right with free entry for spectators from 3pm.

Saturday May 3: They’re on the move for cross country during this action-packed day that sprawls across the Adelaide Park Lands. Sponsored by RB Sellars, this event is bound to have your heart racing! Finish the day with live music from the Happy Leonards at 4pm at Victoria Park.

Sunday May 4: This is your chance to see who will take to the podium following the exhilarating ATCO Show Jumping Day – the final discipline showcased for the festival.

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said there is nothing like the Adelaide Equestrian Festival anywhere else in the world. “Elite equestrian athletes and spectators from all over will experience the only 5-star equestrian event in the southern hemisphere right in the heart of our boutique city,” she said.

“I am proud to support the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which showcases why South Australia is a leading events destination, while bringing tens of thousands of visitors to our city to help boost visitation for our local businesses.”

Tickets and more information can be found here. This event will be livestreamed on H&C+ here. 

EN is thrilled to be collaborating with Atalya Boytner this year for our first time ever covering this special 5*! Stay tuned for more coming your way soon, including a preview of the entry list. 

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Mar 28, 2025 12:01 am -

Today marks day two of competition at the Thoresby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival, which is one of the larger prep stops en route to spring 5* events for UK and European-based pairs. The massive entry lists here require two days of dressage competition, and leading the way in his section of the 4*-S is JL Dublin, teamed up with British Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen, scoring a 24.5 with plenty more yet to ride their tests today. In the other 4*-S section, it’s New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell riding Speedwell, an 11-year-old Irish gelding formerly ridden by Georgie Campbell, who tragically passed away in an accident at Bicton last year. They sit on a score of 30.0 for the day one lead.

Our UK reporter Tilly Berendt will be on site later on this weekend, so stay tuned for a full wrap-up report from Thoresby coming your way soon. We’ll also have press release updates from Galway Downs and TerraNova coming over the weekend, as there’s plenty of action to catch all around the world! Stay tuned.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Galway Downs is one step closer to being the confirmed host venue for equestrian events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after the LA City Council approved the venue update in a meeting this week. The motion still needs to be ratified, which should be happening this week, and then the venue plans will move on to the IOC for final approval, which is anticipated to go forward without issue. Stay tuned for more on this developing news, but in the meantime you can catch up with what we know so far here.

If you’re navigating a return to riding after a confidence-breaking episode like a fall or accident, consider taking a patient approach with yourself. There’s a lot of advice out there on managing fear, but not all advice is created equal. Check out some ways to holistically manage these tough emotions here.

Our reigning World Champion, Yasmin Ingham (GBR), is set to make her long-awaited Badminton debut this year, as are several other “rookies” lined up for one of the most prestigious events in the world. Take a look here.

Want to up your dressage game, Anna Buffini style? Check out three takeaways to level up your game, whether you compete in pure dressage or eventing, and try them out in your next rides.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

If you’re feeling nostalgic about your intercollegiate eventing days (or if you simply never got the chance to compete yourself!), you definitely want to check out Stable View’s Alumni Cup, which will be held during the May Local Charities Horse Trials May 2-4 in Aiken, SC. There’s a boatload of prizes up for grabs, and you can also create scramble teams with alumni from other schools. You can submit your team rosters to Emma Young by emailing [email protected].

Video Break

Check out the live stream replay from the Wild Card round on day one of the Road to the Horse competition at Kentucky Horse Park:

https://www.youtube.com/live/9O3fOzi7i5k?si=NYBi3XfXct6BOb9P

Defender Kentucky CCI5* Entry Preview: The Olympic Champion Returns

By on Mar 27, 2025 10:50 am -

Michael Jung (GER) wins individual gold at the Paris Olympics with fischerChipmunk FRH (who competed as ‘Chipmunk’ in Paris per FEI regulations on naming). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s high 5* season and we now look ahead to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which has revealed its entry list for us to obsessively study. We’ve got a strong field full of Olympians, former winners or podium finishers both here at Kentucky and elsewhere at 5* events, a bursting roster of 5* rookies, and much more to look forward to, so let’s dive right in.

[To view the full CCI5* list, click here]

Entries for the Cosequin Lexington 4*-S will be posted soon; keep an eye on the Kentucky website here!

First, the headlining division of the weekend. Featuring on the list is one Olympic champion (three times over, that is) in Germany’s Michael Jung, who brings forward the 17-year-old fischerChipmunk FRH for another run at 5* glory.

Michael and Chipmunk haven’t been to Kentucky since 2022 (when they set an astonishing record for the lowest-ever finishing 5* score and largest margin of victory at this event on a 20.1, as well as the title of most Kentucky wins for a single rider for Michael), as the Hanoverian gelding was saved for championships in the intervening years. Michael, in all likelihood, has this fall’s FEI European Eventing Championships at Blenheim in mind, as well as potentially the FEI World Championships at Aachen in 2026 with this special horse, and as far as 5*s go, it’s difficult not to think that this run could be one of, if not the, last we’ll see Chipmunk at the level. Of course, this is some speculation on my part, but the point remains: whatever the future may hold, enjoy this incredible era of success, longevity, and consistency.

But it’s not just a shoo-in win for Germany — far from it! We’ve got a big contingent of international entries and a good number of U.S. pairs that will launch their own assault on the top of the podium come Sunday.

Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

That includes Maryland 5 Star runner-up and Paris Olympics sixth-place individual finisher Falco, teamed up with Tim Price (NZL). This 16-year-old Hanoverian owned by Sue Benson for Tim is making his first visit to Kentucky, and if his performance at Maryland is anything to go on, it’s safe to say the U.S. suits him just fine. Tim’s also got a second entry in the 11-year-old Jarillo, who made an impressive debut at soggy, soggy Pau last October for a top 10 finish, and a third in the 13-year-old Blenheim 4*-L winner from 2024, Happy Boy, who has started but been withdrawn from two 5*s and will be looking for what could be a competitive first completion in Kentucky.

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Paris Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen (GBR) has cross-entered Kentucky and Badminton with both JL Dublin and Brookfield Quality, and so we should anticipate that at least one of these will travel over for Kentucky. Tom’s come achingly close to the win here at Kentucky as recently as 2024 when he was second with JL Dublin behind Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent (who are opting for Badminton this year, along with Maryland 5 Star winner Ballaghmor Class).

Harry Meade and Superstition. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also representing Great Britain is Harry Meade, who’s absolutely flush with 5* horses once more this season with three entered here at Kentucky (and cross-entered at Badminton while he finalizes his plans), as well as some on the waitlist at Badminton. For Kentucky, Harry currently has entered Superstition, Et Hop du Matz, and Graffenacht, a former ride of the now-retired William Fox-Pitt who’s very nearly won at th level a couple of times and is coming off an early-season 4*-L win at Montelibretti in Italy. It remains to be seen exactly which horses from the cross-entered pairs will end up at Kentucky, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated as we see any movement on either Kentucky or Badminton’s entry list.

[View the Badminton entry list here]

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re also looking forward to welcoming yet another Paris Olympian in Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (whose name, if I’m being honest, is right up there with La Biosthetique Sam’s in terms of my pride in my ability to now spell it without double-checking it), who will be bringing her 2024 Luhmühlen winner Hooney d’Arville for what will be Lara’s first trip to the Bluegrass since she competed at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Lara’s an bright ball of energy and this mare she’s entered is a particularly special one: Hooney’s dam, Nooney Blue, was Lara’s first big-time horse, taking her to Junior, Young Rider, and Senior Championships, carrying her to a first 4* win, and many more achievements — including the aforementioned WEG, at which Belgium finished sixth as a nation. Nooney recently passed away at the age of 28, making this trip bak to Kentucky an incredibly sentimental one.

Joseph Murphy and Calmaro. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Whew – we aren’t even midway through the plethora of internationals! We’ll also see entries from Calvin Böckmann (GER) and The Phantom of the Opera, who competed at Kentucky in 2024, Jonelle Price (NZL) and her Paris horse Hiarado, and Clarke Johnstone (NZL) with his Paris horse, Menlo Park, Joseph Murphy (IRL) and Calmaro, who return to the 5* level for the first time since they came ninth at Kentucky in 2022. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34, an exciting young pair out of the Warendorf production system in Germany who finished in the top 20 in their 5* debut at Luhmühlen last year and would have done even better had it not been for a tricky pin activation that resulted in 11 penalties.

Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.

U.S.-based Kiwi pair, Monica Spencer and Artist, make a return to Kentucky after finishing seventh last year and 11th at Burghley later on in the year. This full Thoroughbred gelding is inarguably one to watch this weekend, and he’s coming off two strong prep runs at the Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field and Carolina International, where an annoying pin penalty held them from claiming the 4*-S win.  Monica’s based herself in Virginia for the next few seasons, with several young horses currently progressing through the 2* and 3* levels. It’s just Monica, her husband Andrew, and her son Gus running the ship with this growing string of horses — a true family effort.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Next up, the North Americans, and there are certainly some pairs here who will be a serious threat to the podium. Boyd Martin has three horses entered, including his Paris horse, Fedarman B, and his direct reserve horse, Commando 3. Boyd finished within sight of the podium in Paris as the top-placed U.S. rider with “Bruno” (5th) and as he was targeted toward Paris previously, this will actually be his first 5* run at Kentucky. Boyd noted last year that he had used strategy with this horse, who he took the reins for on behalf of the late Annie Goodwin, targeting Luhmühlen and Pau as his first 5*s because of their potential similarity to the Paris cross country. He’s run Fedarman B in the 4* here (4th – 2024), and this will be an exciting third 5* endeavor for a fan-favorite pair.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Commando 3 was poised for a competitive debut at Maryland last fall, but the attempt ended early after he parted ways with Boyd early on cross country. The fall wasn’t a cause for concern, and he’d come second in the 4*-S at Kentucky earlier in the year after laying down a 28.9 in the dressage and accumulating just three seconds of time on cross country. So we know he handled the terrain at the shorter distance just fine, and he’s coming off of a 22.6 dressage score in the 3*-S at Carolina earlier this month. Should all things go to plan, this could easily be a podium pair and hopefully the first of a string of success at this top level.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Luke 140 also makes a return to the 5* level after a slightly longer hiatus than his stablemates as he was sidelined for the majority of last year. He finished fourth in his 5* debut at Luhmühlen in 2023 and is another horse well capable of going sub-30 on the flat. That gives Boyd three potential aces to make a strong run for that coveted 5* win.

We’ve also got several North American (or at least, based in North America) pairs who are some serious leaderboard climber threats that would be great additions to your Eventing Manager team.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Among those are HSH Double Sixteen, ridden by U.S. Olympian Caroline Pamukcu in his 5* debut. “Six” is a 10-year-old full Thoroughbred gelding who won his 4*-S prep outing at Bouckaert Equestrian in early March. While he’s not likely to pull a sub-30 at this stage, he is quick-footed and can deliver a clear round on show jumping day at a long format.

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Another to keep an eye on will be Australia’s Ema Klugman with Bronte Beach Z, who finished fourth at Carolina (contributing to a whole haul of US Equestrian Open points for Ema, resulting in her sitting second on the leaderboard behind Phillip Dutton) after starting the weekend in 13th. Ema and Bronte were 21st in the 13-year-old Zangersheide mare’s 5* debut last year and were well on their way to another strong performance at Maryland when they unluckily parted ways at the MARS Sustainability Bay water late on course (and not for a lack of effort to stay together!).

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Jennie Brannigan has been off to a cracking start this year, winning the Carolina 4*-S with FE Lifestyle, who’s cross-entered at Kentucky but will most likely be heading to Badminton instead. She will have the full Thoroughbred, Twilightslastgleam, with her in Kentucky as another big threat to make some moves up in the standings. He was 16th at Kentucky last year and fifth at Maryland in the fall.

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Morven Park 4*-L winner Julie Wolfert is another climber, taking the victory in Leesburg after starting about mid-pack following dressage with SSH Playboy. This is an exciting — and long-awaited — 5* debut for Julie, whose Rookie profile we’ll have coming your way soon!

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Speaking of rookies, we’ve got quite the class this year! Let’s welcome the following to the 5* ranks:

  • Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times
  • Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray
  • Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre
  • Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy
  • Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri
  • Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic
  • Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette

A warm welcome back to the 5* level to Matt Brown, who returns with a debut horse in Alderwood after last competing at the level at Kentucky in 2017 with Super Socks BCF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

While somehow this preview has ballooned to 1700 words, believe it or not there are still some pairs I didn’t dive into, but we’ll have much more information on each competitor in our Form Guide, coming the week of Kentucky. In the meantime, here’s a look at the full entries:

James Alliston USA Karma
Calvin Böckmann GER The Phantom Of The Opera
Lucienne Bellissimo GBR Dyri
Rebecca Braitling AUS Caravaggio II
Jennie Brannigan USA FE Lifestyle
Jennie Brannigan USA Twilightslastgleam
Matthew Brown USA Alderwood
Brooke Burchianti USA Cooley Space Grey
Katherine Coleman USA Monbeg Senna
Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr USA Sorocaima
Mary Bess Davis USA Imperio Magic
Lara De Liedekerke – Meier BEL Hooney D’Arville
Emily Hamel USA Corvett
Hannah Sue Hollberg USA Carsonstown
Clarke Johnstone NZL Menilo Park
Michael Jung GER Fischerchipmunk FRH
Ema Klugman AUS Bronte Beach Z
Libussa Lübbeke GER Caramia 34
Shannon Lilley USA Eindhoven Garette
Boyd Martin USA Luke 140
Boyd Martin USA Commando 3
Boyd Martin USA Fedarman B
Tom McEwen GBR Brookfield Quality
Tom McEwen GBR Jl Dublin
Harry Meade GBR Et Hop Du Matz
Harry Meade GBR Grafennacht
Harry Meade GBR Superstition
Joseph Murphy IRL Calmaro
Lauren Nicholson USA I’ll Have Another
Caroline Pamukcu USA HSH Double Sixteen
Jessica Phoenix CAN Fluorescent Adolescent
Jonelle Price NZL Hiarado
Tim Price NZL Falco
Tim Price NZL Happy Boy
Tim Price NZL Jarillo
Cassie Sanger USA Redfield Fyre
Monica Spencer NZL Artist
Lindsay Traisnel CAN Bacyrouge
Sharon White USA Claus 63
Arden Wildasin USA Sunday Times
Julie Wolfert USA SSH Playboy

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [EN’s Coverage]

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Broussard Family Charitable Trust Announces Doubling of Rebecca Farm Travel Grants

By on Mar 27, 2025 9:30 am -

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Since 2006, the Broussard Family Charitable Trust has supported the sport of eventing in the U.S. and the careers of countless U.S. event riders through multiple grants including the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant (2011), Le Samurai Fund (2008), Cindy Burge Memorial ECP Grant (2006), Broussard Family Charitable Trust Going Forward Grants (2020), and the Rebecca Farm Travel Grant (2011). The USEA Foundation is excited to share that the Broussard Family Charitable Trust continues to remain committed to its support of these grants and has announced the following enhancements for 2025.

“Fifteen years ago I was easily convinced to fund the Developing Rider Grant,” reflected Jerome Broussard, Chairman of the Broussard Family Charitable Trust. “The structure and focus have evolved, and I am more certain today than ever that the grant deserves continued funding. Please come to the event at Rebecca Farm and interview for the grant. You will definitely find it worthwhile and perhaps rewarding.”

Over the years, the Broussard Family Charitable Trust has continued to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of the athletes competing in today’s world. The Committee that supports the Trust is comprised of knowledgeable horse people, past USEA Presidents, and active riders. Both the International and National Developing Rider Grants are unique from other funding opportunities made available to riders in the fact that they are not based solely on competition records and performance, they are open to both amateur and professional riders, are not age-based, and are structured around an interview process which allows members of the Committee to truly get to know each applicant on a deeper level.

“The USEA Foundation is so pleased to be able to partner with Jerome Broussard and the Broussard Family Charitable Trust to not only continue but expand the breadth of these grants that have proven to be pivotal points in the careers of so many of today’s top riders,” said USEA Foundation Chair Hilary Miskoe.

Rebecca Farm Travel Grants

This Travel Grant is specifically designed to assist those competitors in the three-star and four-star FEI divisions at The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, Montana) who plan to apply for the Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant. The funds are to offset the transportation expenses to the event and will be distributed by the USEA Foundation through the generous support of The Broussard Family Charitable Foundation in honor of Rebecca Chaney Broussard. In the past, these grants have generally been based on mileage.

The Broussard Family Charitable Trust has increased the reimbursed mileage rate for Rebecca Farm Travel Grant recipients as follows:

  • $2.00 a mile traveled from home to reach the event for four-star recipients
  • $1.00 a mile traveled from home to reach the event for three-star recipients
  • 2025 Applications will be due June 1, with recipients receiving notification of their awards by June 15. The application and its relevant guidelines may be found here.

Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants Also Increasing

The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are designed to assist riders of any age, whether they are professionals or amateurs and encourage the education and development of event riders at the highest level of the sport. These grants are awarded to offset some of the travel and training expenses in the pursuit of achieving the qualities of an international rider. These grants are not available to any rider who has already achieved the honor of representing the United States at the Pan American Games, Olympics, or World Equestrian Games.

New for 2025, the Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Little Becky”) will be increased to $15,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the national stage. The recipient of the grant will be selected by the grant committee based on performance record, interview, and involvement with the eventing community. The grant committee reserves the right to alter funding amounts based on their deliberations.

The Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Big Becky”) will also continue awarding $50,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the global stage. The recipient of the grant will be selected by the grant committee based on performance record, interview, and involvement with the eventing community. The grant committee reserves the right to alter funding amounts based on their deliberations.

Interviewees for both the International and national grants need not be entered to compete at Rebecca Farm, though always encouraged. There is, however, an expectation of volunteerism at the event for those interviewing but not competing.

The Road to LA2028 Goes Through Rebecca Farm

As the dates of The Event at Rebecca Farm (July 16-20 for this calendar year) line up almost exactly with the dates of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028, the Event at Rebecca Farm offers a perfect championship atmosphere for high-performance athletes who aspire to compete in LA in three years. Offering the experience of competing in the western United States at the same time of year as the Games, on immaculately prepared surfaces, including irrigated cross-country tracks. For many, the road to LA can start at Rebecca Farm, not only competitively, but also for those interested in receiving developmental grant funding that will assist them with their goals in the lead-up to team selection.