Classic Eventing Nation

Dacapo Takes the TopSpec CCI4*-S Lead on Day One at Bicton International & FEI Nations Cup

By on May 22, 2025 2:44 pm -

Today marked the opening of the May International Horse Trials (May 22-25) at Bicton, Devon. The first competitors from all four classes headed down the centre line in the Western Counties main arena, signalling the start of the event.

Elizabeth Barratt and Big Boss Melo lead the British Young Rider National Championships sponsored by Succeed. Photo by ESP Photographic.

In the British Young Rider National Championships sponsored by Succeed Elizabeth Barratt and the Barratt Eventing owned 14-year-old gelding Big Boss Melo took the lead in the dressage with a score of 28.3. “I was really pleased with him in the dressage. He’s quite a sensitive horse and we’ve been working hard on our flatwork so it’s great to have a solid start to the competition. He’s an incredible jumper so I can’t wait to take him cross country on Saturday,” said Elizabeth. Snapping at her heals just 0.2 penalties behind in this competitive class is Holly Clarke and Mrs Alex Clarke’s Nico.

Ros Canter and Silvesters Finesse lead the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L. Photo by ESP Photographic.

Badminton winner Ros Canter and 8-year-old chestnut mare Silvesters Finesse lead the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L with 25.1. Owned by Deborah and Fergus Langstaff, Nessie, as she is fondly known at home, has had a good season so far with four top ten finishes out of six starts.

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Danny De Muze lead the Equilume CCI2*-L. Photo by ESP Photographic.

The dressage action in the Equilume CCI2*-L saw Tom McEwen take the lead on Mrs Alison Swinburn, John and Chloe Perry’s 7-year-old Brookfield Danny De Muze in his debut at this level with 27.5, exactly one point ahead of second placed Jason Wood and Nitor on 28.5.

Laura Collett and Dacapo lead the TopSpec CCI4*-S. Photo by ESP Photographic.

Having had a win at Thoresby’s CCI4*-S two months ago, Gillian Morris-Adams, Diana Chappell, Carolyn Taylor and Mr and Mrs Smedley’s 16-year-old Dacapo continues his form and leads the TopSpec CCI4*-S class with triple Olympic medallist Laura Collett on 24.8. Mark Davidson and The Round Table Syndicate’s Fonbherna Lancer sits in second by 2.1 points and Laura also has Mrs Lucy Nelson’s 14-year-old mare Hester in third on 27.9.

Laura commented on both her rides, “I am very happy with both horses in the CCI4*-S. Dacapo has always loved coming to Bicton and he’s an older horse who knows his job, so it makes my life easier!”

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2025 will officially get underway tomorrow with five teams set to compete in the dressage arena from 9:00 a.m. BST / 4:00 a.m. EST.

Mia Farley and Invictus. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The U.S. is contesting this Nations Cup leg as a part of the USEF Eventing European Development Tour. The U.S. riders’ times are as follows:

  • Tiana Coudray and Coeur de l’Esprit Z: 9:06 a.m. BST / 4:06 a.m. EST
  • Molly Duda and Disco Traveler: 9:30 a.m. BST / 4:30 a.m. EST
  • Alex O’Neal and Redtail Penumbra: 9:42 a.m. BST / 4:42 a.m. EST (Nations Cup team rider)
  • Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds: 10:36 a.m. BST / 5:36 a.m. EST
  • Cosby Green and Highly Suspicious: 11:00 a.m. BST / 6:00 a.m. EST (Nations Cup team rider)
  • Mia Farley and Invictus: 12:00 p.m. BST / 7:00 a.m. EST (Nations Cup team rider)
  • Jenny Caras and Sommersby: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. EST (Nations Cup team rider)

Beyond the sporting action, this year sees an evolution of the attractions on offer with displays on both weekend days from the thrilling Knights of Middle England. There is also a vast array of activities including the hugely popular family dog show on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a display from 2024 Crufts Champion Lorna Hayes with her canine partner Nora.

Tickets are available to purchase www.bicton.com and those 12 and under go free.

Bicton International (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

Bicton Sets the Stage for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Opener

By on May 22, 2025 12:30 pm -

Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel. Photo by Hannah Cole.

This weekend, Bicton (GBR) will host the opening leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2025, with five teams set to compete in this CCIO4* competition which takes place from May 23-25.

A stellar list of entries consists of athletes from nations across the globe and includes Olympic medallists and seasoned 5-star athletes, as well as a number of rising stars in the world of Eventing. Many nations use this competition as a means of giving younger athletes more experience of competing on a senior team.

The host nation of Great Britain offered Chef d’Equipe Richard Waygood a strong squad of athletes to select from, including double Olympic team gold medalist Laura Collett with her Olympic horse London 52 and British team stalwart Gemma Stevens riding Chilli King. They are joined by Selina Milnes on Cooley Snapchat and Barnie Brotherton riding DHI King, who is making his senior team debut. New Zealand also fields a strong team with two five-star winning athletes- Jonelle Price and Caroline Powell. They are joined by Samantha Lissington and Nick Brooks.

Australia looks set to have an all-female team consisting of Catherine Burrell, Sarah Clark and Lissa Green. Ireland is another nation to field a three-person team but what they lack in numbers, they make up in experience, with three five-star athletes- Susannah Berry, Georgie Goss and, Padraig McCarthy. The USA have a strong squad to choose from, with several athletes travelling from their homeland to compete. This reinforces the significance of the Nation’s Cup Series to international athletes who wish gain team experience and collect Nations Cup points.

Bicton is a perfect venue for spectators and competitors alike. Set in the stunning Devon countryside, it offers spectacular views and makes full use of the rolling parkland terrain. This established venue has staged Eventing competitions since 1977 and runs two annual international events, but this is the first time they have hosted an FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ competition.

Helen West is both the Organiser of Bicton International Horse Trials and the Course Designer of this four-star course:

“It is a real honour to host the GB* leg of the Nations Cup Series, it is the prestige and kudos that comes with that. We stepped in to replace the Burghley 5-star in 2021 and it feels like there is a bit of recognition since. To be awarded this opportunity backs that up and is something we are very excited about.

“Bicton has been running for 48 years and we are very lucky that our hosts, Lord and Lady Clinton are so supportive of equestrian sport, particularly Eventing. It is lovely for them to get this sort of recognition too.”

With the cancellation of Montelibretti (ITA) and Haras de Jardy (FRA), the FEI has allocated six events in total which all take place across Europe. After Bicton, the Series moves to Strzegom in Poland which runs from June 18-22, with the Final taking place in Boekelo in The Netherlands, from October 9-10.

Last year 15 nations competed in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ highlighting the depth and strength of athletes many nations now have in this discipline. The final standings saw France finishing on 420 points for overall first place, which was well ahead of Germany on 320 points who finished in second place.

Bicton International (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

Australia Announces CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S Team

By on May 22, 2025 11:05 am -

Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder. Photo by Atalya Boytner.

Equestrian Australia has announced the athletes they will be sending to CHIO Aachen, which runs from June 27-July 6, for the CCIO4*-S that’s run in Nations Cup format with team and individual competitors.

Representing the Australians in Germany will be a team consisting of:

  • Sammi Birch and Finduss FPB
  • Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder
  • Kevin McNab and Faro IMP
  • Shane Rose and Easy Turn

This team is a mix of veteran and rising star talent. Shane Rose’s Easy Turn is coming off a serious hot streak of 4* wins, most recently winning the 4*-S at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival last month. Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB will be coming off a top-25 finish at Badminton earlier in May, and Kevin McNab has an exciting up-and-comer in Faro IMP, who most recently finished second in the 4*-L at Strzegom in Poland.

Eventing will run from July 4-6 at CHIO Aachen, and you can learn more information here.

The Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet Camp is Coming This Summer!

By on May 22, 2025 9:30 am -

If you’re looking for something fun to do this summer, here’s another camp option for you! This one comes to us from Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE), which is hosting their second annual fully-funded Ever So Sweet clinic opportunity at Sara Kozumplik’s Virginia base, Overlook Farm.

Strides for Equality’s second Ever So Sweet Camp provides a fully-funded opportunity for Equestrians of Color of any age to experience a week of training with an upper-level professional rider. Participants will take mounted and unmounted lessons with Sara Kozumplik at Overlook Farm in Virginia. Housing for riders and stalls for horses will be provided, and travel expenses will be reimbursed. There is also a limited number of horses available to use for the weekend if needed. Please indicate whether you will be bringing a horse to ride or are applying to use a provided horse.

SEE Ever So Sweet Camp 2025 will begin on Tuesday, July 15 and conclude on Friday, July 18.

If you want to participate, applications are due June 7. accepted riders will be notified by June 15 to allow time to plan travel. Auditing opportunities may become available once riders are finalized, and will be advertised on SEE social media.

To learn more and apply for your spot, click here.

Thursday News & Notes from VHC Eventing

By on May 22, 2025 12:01 am -

Have you caught up with the latest episode of The Go Eventing Podcast? In this special conversation, we sat down with equestrian broadcast pro John Kyle, whose voice can be heard on many major live streams in our sport. But John also believes we need more voices in our sport, and we wholeheartedly agree. Don’t miss this episode now on your favorite podcast platform or here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

VHC Eventing (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Spring Coconino H.T. (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Major International Events

Bicton International (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

Equestrian Festival Baborówko (Poland): [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Pippa Funnell’s 5* ride, MCS Maverick, has been sold to a syndicate and will be piloted going forward by fellow British rider Piggy March. The decision was a mutual one amongst Pippa and “Mav’s” previous owners, Nick, Olivia and Sarah Ross. Piggy’s done a couple of Intermediate events to date and will next contest the 4*-S at Bramham next month. As for Pippa, she’s not quite hung up her eventing boots just yet, but with other obligations such as having several Japanese riders based with her and hosting her own podcast, Talk Horse, competing has taken a bit of a back seat. She hopes to be out competing again later this year. Read more on this story here.

Instead of taking or giving all the blame, riders should understand that the results of their aids, good or bad, are always the rider’s responsibility (but not necessarily their “fault”). This focus on responsibility is key. Horse Nation writer Gwyneth McPherson muses on this topic more here.

The 2025 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is just over three months away, which means it is time to start planning your trip to Temecula, California! This year, the AEC will be on a Western rotation to the ever-popular Galway Downs, which is a staple on the Area VI calendar each year. Read more about Galway Downs and the upcoming AEC here.

Sponsor Corner: VHC Eventing

Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square, gets underway this week (more information here) — but don’t forget to plan your return trip in August for a Schooling Event at Virginia Horse Center! 🐴✨

Here’s the need-to-know:

🗓️ Saturday, August 23: $75 Schooling Day — ride all 3 phases (Dressage, SJ, and XC) with no assigned SJ times and flexibility for groups.
🗓️ Sunday, August 24: Unrecognized Horse Trial, Combined Test, or Dressage Test of Choice — ideal for gaining experience in a relaxed setting.
💻 Enter in advance at EventEntries.com
📍 Open schooling runs 9AM–4PM Saturday
🏠 Stabling available + vouchers for scratches
Organized by Molly Bull | XC by Tyson Rementer

Let’s keep the momentum going all summer long! Enter now on Event Entries here.

Video Break

Don’t forget to catch the FEI Nations Cup live stream from Bicton this weekend, available on ClipMyHorse.TV, where several U.S. riders will also be competing!

Destination: Bramham International

By on May 21, 2025 9:30 am -

Tom Carlile and Darmagnac de Beliard at Bramham. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

From June 5-8 all roads lead to Yorkshire for the 51st Defender Bramham International Horse Trials and this year’s event is shaping up to be a cracker. The spring sunshine has the iconic park looking stunning, the equestrian entries are flooding in and the final planning is underway so secure your tickets and plan your 2025 Bramham journey.

The showpiece in Bramham’s timetable are the eventing competitions with the Defender CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S which for 2025 includes a dedicated aware for the best under 25 rider. It’s FEI European Championships year and this time, Britain plays host to event at the Agria Blenheim Palace Horse Trials over September 18-21 – go well at Bramham and horse and rider combinations from all over Europe could put their names in the frame for selection.

The entry roster stands at 140 currently with a star-studded 15 nations represented. Britain’s Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen, reigning world champion Yasmin Ingham and last year’s 50th anniversary champion Harry Meade are just a few of the names entered at present.

Bramham is synonymous with delivering stunning cross country courses adored by riders and spectators alike. This year is the debut for new designer Andrew Heffernan as he takes over the legacy left by Ian Stark. Working closely with course builder and master of the chainsaw David Evans, Andrew is looking to make his mark with a test befitting of the Bramham tradition but with his own stamp.

Eventing may be at the heart of Bramham but there’s a host of other equestrian competitions too. There’s youngstock and hunter showing classes, a Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifier and British Showjumping classes including a Horse of the Year Show qualifier, a six bar, accumulator and the show’s curtain call, the Wetherby Skips Grand Prix. The Saracens Horse Feeds Arena Eventing classes at 100cm, 90cm and new for this year, 80 cm are a huge favorite on Sunday while local Pony Club teams will be in action all weekend with show jumping and mounted games – many a top rider started their journey to the top in The Pony Club so you may see future medalists in action.

Kirkbourne Spaniels join in the action once again for working dog demos in the Defender arena and the team is also going to be holding dog scurry competitions adjacent to the agility arena throughout the event – something for the canine visitors to enjoy as well as their owners.

Everyone loves a spot of shopping and eating and Bramham’s 160 outlet village has something for every taste – culinary and otherwise. Our title sponsors Defender will be in the heart of the village as well as our 2025 charity partners, Equine Pathways UK, locally based in Leeds.

The team offers equine assisted therapy to improve the lives of children and adults with mental and physical disability. Make sure you drop by their stand to learn more about their crucial work, which makes a real difference. On Friday and Saturday, two of their super star ponies will be in attendance to meet and greet you. They’ll be operating a bad drop so if you can park any shopping while you enjoy your day for a small donation. You can also support their raffle or purchase something from their range of merchandise.

Interested in joining us? Save time and money by booking your Bramham tickets in advance – but hurry, prices will rise on 02 June. Admission tickets start at £18 for over 17s and there’s further savings on weekend and season passes. You’ll also need a car park ticket for your vehicle so don’t forget that – there’s a day, weekend and season option. Upgrade yourself to VIP status with Membership tickets which give you access to the arenaside Members’ pavilion with CCTV, coffee shop, bar and snacks – numbers are limited so it’s worth booking ahead with your entry tickets.

For those who like to be at the heart of the action, we also offer a campsite facility for any type of accommodation with shower and toilet facilities – you can book for a season pass or weekend – but hurry, bookings are limited, and the weekend package is nearly sold out!

Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented; “We’ve had a fantastic spring on the Bramham Estate with the Park looking truly radiant and green. We’ve welcomed Andrew [Heffernan] and David [Evans]for a few visits and the estate staff are working hard to provide the very best for all our visitors. Andrew brings a new perspective, and I think everyone’s going to love his vision.

“The team and I are in final countdown mode with plans well advanced for what we hope will be another memorable chapter in Bramham’s history. The Lane Fox family and Bramham team are looking forward to welcoming competitors, their connections, our army of officials and volunteers, our sponsors and of course our visitors.”

Visit the website www.bramham-horse.co.uk for all the news, lowdown and ticket information. Follow Bramham on, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as we count down to the 2025 Defender Bramham Horse Trials!

Wednesday News & Notes from Maryland International CCI & H.T.

By on May 21, 2025 12:01 am -

 

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In case you’ve just been DYING to try Hobby Horse(-ing?), you’ll get your shot if you’re in the UK and heading to Bicton International and Nations Cup this weekend! On Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25, you’ll be able to tackle a Hobby Horse course that’s fun for all (except maybe try not to twist an ankle on landing). Who will be the newly-crowned champion? We’ll have to wait and find out.

U.S. Weekend Preview

VHC Eventing (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Spring Coconino H.T. (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Major International Events

Bicton International (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

Equestrian Festival Baborówko (Poland): [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

What does it take for a 15.1-hand off-track Thoroughbred to storm around the Kentucky Three-Day Event and win the crowd’s heart? In this episode of OTTB On Tap, hear from eventer Ali Kuhn to hear the incredible story of Little Hail, her pink-wearing OTTB who went from years in a pasture to galloping across one of the sport’s biggest 4* stages. Listen in here.

What makes a trainer qualified to coach? Could it be a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard University? A career as a five-star event rider? Being an ‘A’ rated Pony Club graduate? Getting your license as a U.S. Equestrian Federation ‘R’ judge and technical delegate for eventing? Ashley Johnson has all of these qualifications but feels she can always further her education as a coach. Read about her philosophy and why good quality coaching matters so much here.

Merck Animal Health (makers of commonly-known equine products such as Regu-Mate, Panacur, and Banamine) and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently announced the $895-million expansion of Merck Animal Health’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, KS. Site preparation and facility design is starting immediately, creating 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial manufacturing is expected to begin in 2030, creating more than 200 full-time roles. Read up on this news here.

Braiding for crossrails? For Chronicle blogger Tracy Gold, it wasn’t just about the show—it was a full-on family operation. Between kid logistics, yarn scavenger hunts, and a husband adjusting his gym schedule, getting those braids in took teamwork. But it was worth it: her green OTTB Royal looked the part and even packed around Tracy’s daughter in the leadline class at the MidAtlantic Horse Rescue All Thoroughbred Benefit Show. They took home the “Green as Grass” championship—wrong leads and all. As Tracy writes, “A pro could braid or train her better and faster. But I want to do it myself.” That’s the good stuff. Read her blog here.

Sponsor Corner: Maryland International CCI & H.T.

 

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The Maryland International CCI & H.T., which will also feature the USEF Young Rider Eventing Championships, is just around the corner! Among many other exciting happenings, there’s a new cross country designer in the house, taking over for the great Ian Stark, in the Netherlands’ Andrew Heffernan. The Loch Moy Farm team caught up with Andrew to hear all about his upcoming courses, which we can’t wait to unveil! The Maryland International CCI & H.T. takes place in Adamstown, MD June 27-29. Don’t forget to secure your Highland Club tickets for the best seat in the house! All information and how to purchase your tickets can be found here.

Video Break

See what eventing is like in Poland ahead of this week’s Equestrian Festival Baborówko!

US Equestrian Announces Host of the 2026-2027 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships

By on May 20, 2025 12:00 pm -

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the Maryland International and Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Md. has been chosen as the host of the 2026-2027 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships (CCIJ1*-Intro, CCIYJ2*-S, CCIU253*-S). The championships will be held on June 25-28, 2026, and June 24-27, 2027.

“I’m delighted that the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships will continue to be held at Loch Moy,” said cross-country course designer Andrew Heffernan, “Part of my job as a designer is to educate the future generations and if I can play a small part in producing America’s upper level riders of the future then I am doing my job right”.

The championships will continue in the current format, a short-format summer competition, through 2027. Areas may put forward Teams (3-4 athlete-and-horse combinations) and/or Individuals to compete at YRC.

The competition will consist of the following levels:
• CCI1*-Intro Championships (Team and Individual)

• Open to Athletes ages 14-18
• CCI2*-S Championships (Team and Individual)

• Open to Athletes ages 14-21
• CCI3*-S Championships (Team and Individual)

• Open to Athletes ages 16-25

Find out more information about the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships.

Learn more about the facilities, grounds, and hotel information on The Maryland Horse Trials website.

Please contact Gemma Stobbs, Director, Eventing Development Programs with any questions regarding the USEF Young Rider Championships at [email protected].

Bromont Beckons: Meet the Stars of the Future and Enjoy a Weekend of Eventing in Canada This June

By on May 20, 2025 9:30 am -

Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.

From Olympic legends to rising stars of the sport, all roads lead to MARS Bromont this June. The 2025 MARS Bromont CCI, taking place June 5–8 at the historic Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, invites athletes, owners, and spectators alike to experience one of North America’s premier international eventing competitions.

Entries are now open for a full slate of FEI divisions: CCI4-L, CCI4-S, CCI3*-L, U25 CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L**, and U25 CCI2-L*, alongside the return of the acclaimed MARS Bromont Rising program.

Supporting the Future: MARS Bromont Rising Announces 2025 Recipients

Bettina Hoy leads a course walk for MARS Bromont Rising riders. Photo by Cara Whitham.

This year’s MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship recipients represent a dynamic group of young athletes, many of whom will be contesting their first international FEI event outside the U.S. Each rider receives $2,500 in travel and competition funding, as well as access to an exclusive educational program led by top coaches.

Returning as guest coach is three-time German Olympian Bettina Hoy, who will mentor riders through dressage warm-ups and provide in-depth course walks for cross country and show jumping. The program is spearheaded by Olympian and FEI 5 judge Peter Gray*, who also conducts “centerline sessions” to teach riders exactly what the judges are looking for movement-by-movement.

“This year we received the most applications on record,” Peter said. “The quality was exceptional. We’re excited to welcome these talented athletes to Bromont, where they’ll not only compete at a world-class venue, but also gain invaluable experience and mentorship.”

The 2025 MARS Bromont Rising recipients are:

  • Emma Armstrong, 21 of Hollis, NH, with Newman
  • Mary Cotton, 25, Cochranville, PA – Hudson T
  • Kelsey Estes, 19, Mount Airy, MD – Trionfo
  • Audrey Littlefield, 20, Amherst, NH – Mr. Pumpkin
  • Emma McHugh, 21, Beaconsfield, QC – Ricochet
  • Lyman Ordoway, 18, Southern Pines, NC – Exces De Folie
  • Mégane Sauvé, 23, of St-Paul, QC with Secretly
  • Kelsey Seidl, 21, Berryville, VA – Chico’s Man and Water Mill Smooth
  • Nicholas Shank, 21, Edmonton, AB – Dunrath Archibald
  • Ella Spiers, 19, Metamora, MI – Mission Complete
  • Mandolin Whitten, 22, Gordonsville, VA – Cooley Easy Trip

An Eventing Destination Like No Other

Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Set against the backdrop of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, Bromont is more than just a competition — it’s a destination. Riders can expect a true test on world-class cross country courses designed by Derek di Grazia (USA) and Jay Hambly (CAN) and show jumping designed by Brody Robertson (USA), and a boutique experience that blends top sport with the charm of a summer getaway.

From golf and mountain biking to five-star dining, there’s something for everyone in Bromont — and this year, the event is even more family-friendly.

On Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, the RCMP Musical Ride will perform in the main arena following the day’s competition (pre-show begins ~5:00 p.m.). A Canadian icon known around the world, the Musical Ride features a troop of 32 riders performing intricate drills set to music. Following each performance, guests are invited to meet the horses and officers.

Thanks to the support of the City of Bromont, there is no charge for admission or parking all weekend.

Cross-Border Travel: What You Need to Know

Photo by Sally Spickard.

For U.S.-based competitors planning to travel to Bromont, here’s the latest (as of April 4):

There are no new tariffs that currently impact the movement of horses between the U.S. and Canada. While the U.S. has implemented certain tariffs on goods like autos and aluminum, these do not apply to horses, feed, or sport equipment.

Some U.S. ports, such as Pembina, ND, are experiencing temporary veterinarian staffing shortages. Equestrian Canada advises contacting the USDA in advance of your planned crossing: [email protected].

Bromont organizers and Equestrian Canada continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage competitors to plan early and use trusted transport providers. Additional border updates and travel resources can be found at equestrian.ca.

The countdown to Bromont is on. Entries close on May 27, and there’s no better place to be this June — we’ll see you there!

MARS Bromont: [Website] [Entries] [Sponsorship & VIP] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on May 20, 2025 12:01 am -

Mark your calendars! Tickets for the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star will hit the box office starting on May 27, and it’s time to start planning your trip! This is an event you won’t want to miss as the second CCI5* on the North American calendar and a weekend full of festivities for the whole family, both horsey and horse-adjacent! To learn more and to book your tickets starting next week, click here.

U.S. Events Opening for Entries Today

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA); Mile High Horse Ranch H.T. (CO)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Windermere Run H.T. (MO); Essex H.T. (NJ) *ENTRIES EXTENDED TO MAY 27*; Revel Run H.T. I (MI); Middleburg H.T. (VA); Unionville H.T. (PA); Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MA)

News & Reading

No matter where you fall, you will love this week’s episode of the USEA Podcast, which dives into a chat with a member of the USEA IEL champion team and the president of this year’s Intercollegiate Spirit Award winners, the University of Georgia. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it feels like to participate in one of these championships from Olive Dumais and Katlyn Parker. Listen here.

The U.S. is currently home to three World #1-ranked riders across eventing, show jumping, and para dressage. Meet these three top athletes and the unique paths they took to this highest-honor ranking here.

As immigration crackdowns continue to sweep across the country, the equestrian industry is one sector that stands to be massively affected. NPR dove into the topic as it concerns horse racing here.

Do the corners in your dressage arena make you cringe? It’s a relatable feeling, honestly. This tip column from Practical Horseman will give you some new tools to fight those corner demons. Read or bookmark it for your next ride here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

For over 25 years Kentucky Performance Products has been committed to producing high-quality, research-proven supplements. You can book a custom consult to help fit the right nutritional support to your horse’s needs here.

Video Break

ICYMI, watch the incredible efforts of Journalism to take the 2025 Preakness Stakes: