Classic Eventing Nation

Horses for Courses (and Fact-Finding): Billy Alberto Finds a Purpose with Team Lissington

By on Sep 4, 2025 9:18 am -

Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

New Zealand rider Samantha Lissington comes into this week’s Defender Burghley well-mounted with two horses coming off of great seasons to date, but each of her rides carries a slightly different role as a part of her burgeoning team.

The 13-year-old Billy Alberto, an Anglo-European registered gelding by Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve, wasn’t a horse that was selected outright as a potential 5* horse, truth be told. He’s had a colorful competitive history, never quite nailing the dressage in a way that would allow him to really compete at the top levels. His owner, Alison Spence, had the horse with British rider Sophie Fouracre previously, and Sophie would take him through the 4* level. But, as Sam puts it, “the dressage was just proving too disappointing and too disheartening.”

At that point, Ali’s daughter, Honor, took the reins and competed Billy Alberto at the British Novice level, but a thought remained in the back of Ali’s mind: what if they gave it one more crack to get to the 5* level? The horse was a good cross country jumper — he wasn’t strong (“whilst he’s quite resistant on the flat, he’s the opposite jumping,” Sam describes. “And he just sort of…you steer him like a motorbike, and he just jumps whatever’s in front of him and and he just never said, has never said no, or never looked for a way out.”) and he had the rideability in the jumping that he lacked on the flat.

Here, Sam entered the picture. “[Ali] was like, ‘actually, I want to have one more crack and see if he’s a five-star horse.’ And I said, ‘Look, I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do everything I can.'”

Sam’s only had the ride on Billy Alberto since January of this year, but already he’s found a valuable role within her team: front-runner.

Many riders who come to these big 5* events with more than one horse will use strategy to inform the order in which they run their horses. Not every event will give riders the luxury of choice, but when she’s able, she’ll put “Bertie” out as her first horse, using him as a fact-finder and trusting in her confidence that he’s got the chops to jump around and give her insights for her next, and potentially more competitive, horses.

Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

This week, she’s done just that, riding her more experienced partner, Lord Seekönig, second. She feels this will come in handy come Saturday, when she tackles her first Burghley cross country since 2019.

“In a short space of time, I was like, actually, this is a really useful horse on our team,” Sam says. “And one of the agreements that I have with Ali was that he runs first, because that then is a really useful member of our team, even if the dressage doesn’t make progress. So then we can work away on the dressage attempt to make some progress on that. On that side, he’s getting to go to big competitions, and he also is my front runner for the other horses to then gain experience, put that into them.”

Of course, she’s riding two completely different horses, so her riding and strategy for cross country will adjust for their respective styles. “[The Lord Seekönig horse is] quite a nervous person, but you wouldn’t know it on cross country. He can be strong. So that’s my sort of continued work on is to try and ride with as light a contact as possible, so that when I do use the reins, it means something, whereas Bertie canters around with an inverted neck in a snaffle! So they are quite different.”

Sending Bertie out first, though, will still provide valuable information to use later on. “I think that first ride gives you a fact finding mission on the terrain more than anything, at Burghley. What’s it going to feel like? What’s the undulations? What’s something to be aware of?”

She’s still focused on her dressage for now — one thing at a time — but her strategy will go into full implementation come Saturday. “I mean, I’m trying to, this year, very much focus on the next job in front of me and not worry too much about Saturday’s job until it’s Saturday. So that’s been working. So far. It’s working pretty well.”

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Thursday Morning at Burghley: David Doel’s Back with a Bang

By on Sep 4, 2025 8:53 am -

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

You’d be forgiven if you’d glanced over the day one line-up for the Defender Burghley Horse Trials and thought to yourself that perhaps it wasn’t stacked with first-phase heavy hitters – but despite a flurry of rain showers, a buzzy, fishbowl atmosphere in the ring, and a collective shift towards the 30s, this morning’s competition gave us plenty to get excited about. 

Chief among that list of thrills? The return of David Doel and the stalwart Galileo Nieuwmoed, who have taken the early lead on a score of 29.6 – their best-ever score at the level. 

“That was absolutely mega,” beams David – perhaps the happiest man in the world to be getting gently drizzled on in a tailcoat. “It was really cool. Definitely, this is the best he’s ever gone in the ring. He was really settled, really rideable, and just nailed everything, really, for me. That’s probably about the best he’s ever going to be able to do: he’s not built to do dressage, so I’m absolutely stoked about it.”

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Getting the gelding to this point hasn’t been about a sea change in the training, but rather, David explains, about making sure he’s at his happiest and most relaxed and then trusting that he knows what he’s doing.

“It’s nothing major. Look, he’s 14 years old now, and he knows how to go sideways; he knows how to do his flying changes. It’s just really been getting him settled in the ring. We just changed his warm-up a little bit in how we did it. He actually went for quite a long, loose lunge this morning — we let him get all the bucks and excitement out of him without working his body too hard. He’s not built for dressage, and so I think in the past we’ve probably made him a little bit tired in his body, and he got a bit cranky about that. So yeah, we’ve just changed his warm-up pattern a little bit.”

For David and ‘Nobby’ – “he’s called that for a reason, because he’s a big knob,” grins David, reminiscing on yesterday’s kite-flying experience at the trot-up – their five-star trajectory so far has largely been about climbing, and climbing very, very well. They’ve previously finished third at Maryland, ninth at Luhmühlen, eighth at Kentucky, fourth at Pau, and an achingly close second here in 2023 by less than a penalty, and almost all of those occasions have seen them start firmly in the mid-30s. 

Now, David can focus his attentions on Saturday’s tough track, knowing he’s sitting on a horse who can make great strides up the leaderboard – but this time, he might not have to. 

“It’s the joy of having a jumping horse; we’re looking forward to going cross country on Saturday,” he says. 

It’ll be a welcome chance for redemption after an uncharacteristic fall for both horse and rider late on course this spring at Badminton, but neither are any worse for wear for the experience: “We gave him plenty of time off to recover, because we both hit the ground hard, and we didn’t want to rush him back. If he’d come here on one prep run, he’d have been fine, but he had a great run at Dauntsey in the Open Intermediate, and a great run around the British Open at Hartpury, too, and he’s on great form.”

 

Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Ireland’s Joseph Murphy held onto the lead for much of the morning after putting a 30.9 on the board with the smart ten-year-old Belline Fighting Spirit, but settling for second at this early juncture won’t be a dampener on his spirits: that score represents a significant international personal best at any level for the gelding, who’s been prone to a mid-to-high 30s score throughout his career. 

“I’m really pleased,” he says. “This certainly wouldn’t be his strongest phase, but he’s a beautiful horse, and now he’s more on side and I’m a bit more confident with him. This has been the goal since the springtime, really, to come here.”

This will be the young horse’s third five-star: he made his debut last season at Pau, where he delivered a 34.8 and a steady clear, and then came to Badminton in the spring. There, the buzz of the first phase cast a light on the cracks in the foundations, and the pair started their week on a 39.2, ultimately completing with a 20 on cross-country, too, and chalking it up to an educational and formative week in the office. 

Since then, Joseph has honed in on the building blocks he felt were missing that week, all the while planning for a Burghley campaign.

“I’ve put a nice bit of mileage into him at four-shorts since Badminton – the reason for that, for me, was that I needed to get to know him a little bit better in the atmosphere and in the environment,” he explains. “In one way, he didn’t really need the mileage of the runs, but in another way, mentally, he needed to learn that this is the way.

“Of course, I’ve made mistakes on the way to here, because I was trying different things, but I had a very solid system for him today. It wasn’t perfect in there — he’s still just a 10-year-old — but I wasn’t perfect either. I think over time, going away with that sort of confidence, it’s going to be very good.”

Today’s performance isn’t a coincidence, and it isn’t an outlier. At 48, and with a decade and a half of five-star mileage behind him already, the Olympian could be set in his ways and his system – but over the last couple of seasons, he’s been committing himself to reimagining how he tackles the sport. 

“I hold my hands up: I haven’t been riding good enough,” says Joseph. “I haven’t been preparing good enough. I haven’t probably been disciplined. The riding, in one way, came quite naturally to me. But that’s not a great thing either, because then you tend to ride a little bit off the seat of your pants – and that’s what I was doing until I really now started knuckling down.”

Though Joseph has long had a reputation as an efficient, capable cross-country rider, the first phase has been something of a nemesis to him – and so, in order to counterbalance his natural instincts, he decided to go straight to the source: his foundations. He’s long trained with Tracie Robinson, Team Ireland’s dressage coach, but he’s also turned to old friend Michael Jung for help. Perhaps even more importantly? He’s made his continuing education his priority even in his rare moments of quiet time.

“Tracy has spent a few years now really trying to get the basics into my riding. But she can’t do it all on her own. I’m responsible for a lot of it as well,” he says. “So I’ve got feedback from judges. I’ve watched videos. I’ve been more disciplined in my preparation and training with the horses every day. And I think that’s the thing that’s now starting to show. As a rider, I feel like I can do it, but I need to put it together now. In a way, I’m probably my own worst critic, but that’s how it has to be now.

“And I’ve spent a bit of time over in Germany with Michael Jung,” he continues. “When you see his system about how he wants the horses to behave in the environment, and how he goes about that—it’s something I’m learning more now. And this horse really has taken to it.”

“Of course, we’re at a three-day event, so there are two more phases. But again, the whole weekend is all about learning and being competitive as well. I’m not just here to make up the numbers either. I want to do it in a nice way, but I’m looking forward to Saturday and seeing what it brings, and seeing how the horse handles the terrain and the massive jumps that are out there.”

Grace Taylor and Game Changer. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Grace Taylor made waves on her five-star debut here two years ago with Game Changer when the pair went sub-30 for the first time in their international career, and though their 32.4 didn’t quite cross that barrier, the British-born and -based US representative was pleased to shave three whole marks off their last two five-star scores. That was a solid enough effort to see them take third place going into the lunch break. 

“It’s an amazing atmosphere, an amazing arena to be in, and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be there – and he loves it,” says Grace. “The dressage was fine – he was a good boy, just a few mistakes. My trainer [Lisa White] and I have just been working on having him much more strong, supple, and in front of the leg, and he’s enjoying his dressage more. He was always more of a jumping horse, but I always knew he could do really good dressage, so I was frustrated with myself that I wasn’t getting the marks. But it’s getting there.”

“At Badminton,” she continues, “he actually did a really nice test and was trending well, and did one change early and got ones for that movement, and the movement was double-marked. That was a shame because he was trending about 70%. So maybe we’ve just had a few big mistakes and the odd bad day. But this, to me, is the bare minimum of what he deserves, and I think it’s my responsibility to get that for him.” 

It’s not hard to see how the pair might well find themselves back under the 30 barrier before too long: their respectable 32.4 comes even after two tricky flying changes and a near break in the extended trot, but such was the consistency of the rest of their work that they kept the final number down. 

This will be Grace and Game Changer’s first Burghley since that 2023 debut, and this time, they return with the experience gained not just in that week, but in two Badmintons and a Maryland run, too.

“I suppose I came with more knowledge this year. I’m very confident I’ve got him fit enough, and obviously anything can happen on the day — they can come out and have not such a good day, not firing on all cylinders, and there’s not always a lot you can do about that. However, I’m not quite so naïve anymore — I’m probably still very naïve, but less so! I still think the course is very tough. I’d say it was a monster when I walked it last time. It’s a monster again. But it’s Burghley.”

Keen fans of the sport might have been disappointed yesterday to see Grace trot up her own horse: at Badminton, her father Nigel, British team selector, head honcho of Aston-le-Walls Eventing Centre, and notably hobble-y jogger, deputised for her on the final day, to huge cheers.

“Big Nige wasn’t allowed to trot up for me this time, because he didn’t train hard enough,” she says dryly. “I don’t want him to pull a hamstring. I thought he was going to curl up and die after trotting the horse last year. I thought that might be the end of him — I was digging a hole on Badminton Lawn for him.”

Still, she says, rolling her eyes, “he did have a suit in the car ready!”

Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

World Number One Harry Meade has three horses in the race for the third year in a row here, and the first of them, the eleven-year-old Et Hop du Matz, got his considerable efforts off to a flying start with a 32.7 – the best international score of his partnership with the British rider. That sees them take a provisional fourth place so far, with one more of Harry’s rides – the smart Cavalier Crystal – to come today. 

“There was one little mistake in the flying change, but he’s very much a horse still in his first year at five-star, and I was pleased with him,” says Harry, who finished third at Kentucky this spring with the Selle Français, adding nothing to his dressage score of 34.2 on that occasion. “There’s lots more to come. He’s a big, gangly spider of a horse and he will get better and better with age.”

Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Ireland’s Austin O’Connor rounds out the Thursday morning top five with the first of his two rides, the five-star debutant Sixmilewater. They posted a 33 – not an upper-level personal best, which came at Blenheim CCI4*-L last year with a 28.8, but a score that certainly sits in the better end of their usual margins. 

“I’m delighted with the horse,” says Austin. “It’s his first five-star, and he kept his head and didn’t do a lot wrong. I think it was probably as good, if not better, than we expected at this stage.” 

Burghley might feel like a bold choice for a five-star debut, but, says Austin, “we may as well be finding out now as opposed to postponing it for another couple of years! He’s jumped some big tracks. He’s jumped Blenheim, he’s jumped Bramham. I’m hoping it will suit him here. It’s going into the unknown to a degree, but we’ll find out early on. And if he’s coping, he’s coping and if not, there’s always another day.”

Austin will return to the main arena tomorrow with a horse hotly-tipped to take a podium place here in the ineffable Colorado Blue, previously third (twice!) and eighth at Badminton, a winner at Maryland, and twice an Olympian. Burghley is, in theory, the sort of event a horse like ‘Salty’ – quick, bold, and with a heart the size of the colossal fences – is born to win, but so far, their campaigns here have been plagued with little bits of bad luck. Now, the Irishman is determined to set the record straight – something he opted for over an arguably set in stone selection for the Irish team at this month’s European Championships. 

“You’re always on a mission, aren’t you? But, you know, Salty owes us nothing. It’s sport, and we’ve got to get the rub of the green. But he’s on great form, but it’s great to have him here,” says Austin. “The decision was sort of between myself, management, and the owners, to be fair. It’s obviously a shame not to be going to Blenheim, but on the other hand, you don’t get many five-star horses like him in a lifetime, so it’s chicken and egg isn’t it?”

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Our second US representatives, 20-year-old Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre, round out this morning’s top ten with a 37.4, over a penalty better than their five-star debut score at Kentucky this spring. But either which way, Cassie isn’t here to try to change the world on the flat: this week, and, arguably, her whole season thus far, is about foundational education. 

“I’m really happy with him,” she says. “Dressage isn’t his easiest phase, and we’ve been working really hard training with Ros [Canter] and Ian Woodhead. His changes are what they are right now, and we’re really going to try and figure them out this winter, because I think that’ll push us into a different place once we get those — especially in the five-star test when there are four of them, which makes it hard to do. But I really thought his trot work was just so much better and stronger for him.”

Cassie came to the UK a week after Badminton to base herself with reigning European champion, former World Champion, and Badminton and Burghley winner Ros – an experience that she says has been transformative so far. 

“For the last couple of years, I’ve really been watching her and studying her, and thinking that if I could ride like anyone, I’d want to ride like Ros,” says Cassie, who’s in her Junior year of a Journalism degree. “So last fall, we asked her if I could base with her, and she said yes. It’s been amazing. I think it came at totally the right time for me; I was really looking for someone to bring me into their program and just be such a supportive person, and she’s exactly that. Honestly, when people ask me what it’s been like, I say it’s exceeded all my expectations.”

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

The initial plan was to head home in December to help balance riding with her university studies – but now, she says, “I’m going to stay for as long as she’ll have me! This autumn I’m doing online school, and a lot of my friends are actually all abroad in Europe, so that’s fun. It’s worked out well; my school let me do online instead of being at a base program somewhere else. I’ll have to go home for a little bit this winter, and skip out on the English winter, which everyone tells me is a good time to leave, and then I’ll be back full-time. I’m just trying to make it work, get through it. I’m committed to seeing it all through, which is a little bit crazy, but it’s worth it.

“I kind of went in not having a ton of confidence. Kentucky went well, but I just felt like I wasn’t riding as well as I could be,” she continues. “She’s just great on every aspect — the mental side, and also just the training at home. That’s where I think our focus lies. Then when you get to the show, it’s really no different, because what you’ve done at home, you just try and carry it through. Honestly, it’s a bit easier when you get to the show, because you’re not trying to push and do this and that. She’s kind of taught me a lot about the training at home.”

Dressage will resume at 14.00 local time (that’s 9.00 a.m. EST), with local competitor Emma Hyslop-Webb getting us back underway with Jeweetwel. The day’s competition will close out around 16.00 (11.00 a.m. EST), with France’s Gaspard Maksud coming forward on his 2022 World Championships mount Zaragoza, with whom he recorded a sixth place finish here last year. We’ll be back after the close of play with another full report on the afternoon’s action – plus, keep it locked on EN throughout the day for plenty more stories and insights from beyond the top five.

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Thursday News & Notes from Virginia Horse Center Foundation

By on Sep 4, 2025 12:01 am -

Before we dive headlong into yet another weekend of top sport eventing, let’s take just a moment to remember our WHY. At the end of the day, we come to work — whether that work is riding, grooming, working in business management or media, or caring for horses as a vet or farrier — for the horses who give us incredible joy and fulfillment in our lives. We do this for them, and it remains our responsibility to do right by them at all times, and to treat them as the special partners they are. Don’t forget it — it’s an important reminder for us all!

Major International Events

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]

Strzegom Autumn Show (Poland): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Stone Gate Farm Mini H.T. (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

Take a moment to celebrate the Thoroughbred on the heels of #AEC2025! Check out who the top Thoroughbreds were, taking home multiple Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program awards through the weekend here.

“The art of doing nothing’s a hard thing,” says Boyd Martin, who recently wrapped up a clinic tour ahead of the fall season. Practical Horseman was on site at the second annual Windurra Camp at Boyd and Silva’s home base, and there are many takeaways for every rider even if you didn’t have a chance to attend yourself. Keeping with the theme of building confidence on cross country, read some more tips from Boyd here.

British Eventing, with an eye to the future, has welcomed a team of independent, non-executive directors to their team. The new INEDs will play a key role in helping British Eventing realise its ambitions — from enhancing the UK’s leading venues and embracing digital innovation, to broadening participation, expanding global reach, and building commercial sustainability across all levels of the sport. Read more on these new hires here.

Sponsor Corner: Virginia Horse Center Eventing & Foundation

📅 Mark your calendars! Entries for VHC Eventing are NOW OPEN at EventEntries.com 📲

Join us October 30 – November 2 for an unforgettable weekend of competition, proudly presented by Capital Square, featuring international divisions including CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S.

It’s a weekend not to be missed, and we’ll be right there with you providing press and media coverage to the event. See you soon!

Video Break

If you’re at Burghley this week, don’t forget to stop by the Insights Stage all week for chats with top riders and more! The full schedule can be found under the “What’s On” tab here.

Cross Country Machines and World Beaters: Meet the Field of the 2025 Defender Burghley CCI5*

By on Sep 3, 2025 3:49 pm -

Tomorrow, we’ll finally see the first horse down centerline after months of anticipation of the first CCI5* of the fall season: Defender Burghley. We’ve got 51 starters on the final list after a handful of withdrawals from the original entries, and you can follow along with each and every pair using our handy Form Guide.

This year, we’ve made a few adjustments and updates to our Form Guides, and for Burghley this year we’re bringing you a few new changes to how we’ve formatted it, based both on feedback we’ve received from readers as well as our own experiences using it.

Many of you preferred a Form Guide that was accessible natively here on EN, without the need to open a new window or app to view our database now housed on Notion. With that in mind, you can now find a large portion of the need-to-know directly below. Here’s how our Burghley Form Guide is arranged:

Use this post to see quick stats and a write-up on the recent form of each entered pair. You can click through the entries using the list below (sorted alphabetically by rider last name), or you can keep scrolling to view each pair in succession (useful for following along during the live stream on Burghley TV!).

If you want to dive even deeper, you can also click on the horse/rider name to see their full profile within our Notion database. These profiles include backstories on the pair, breeding information, fun facts and more. Choose your own experience!

Have questions or feedback about this Form Guide? Email us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear it!

Entries by Rider Name (click the name to jump directly to that pair’s write-up):

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

______________________________________________________________________________

By Drawn Order:

#1: Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Upton House Intermediate, 27th (71.4)
  • Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 3rd (34.2)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 25th (60.6)

According to EquiRatings’ Prediction Center for this week, Et Hop du Matz is the least likely of Harry Meade’s three rides to take home the title this week — but he has been given a near-30% chance at a top-10 finish. This will mark “Hoppy’s” first UK 5* start, but a third place at Maryland 5 Star last year on a course that’s quickly earned a reputation as grueling should be a good prep for this debut of sorts.

[Read Et Hop du Matz’s full profile]

#2: Austin O’Connor and Sixmilewater

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 19th (49.1)
  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 22nd (48.4)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 22nd (92.7)

Austin O’Connor brings forward an exciting debut horse in Sixmilewater, who’s enjoyed some steady preparation as he legs up for this forthcoming big effort. Austin’s posted on social media in the past that “Buster” had struggled before with jumping into the water, but he’s had two consistent clears in his last stops on the road to Burghley. He’s generally known as a cross country machine (and we all know Austin knows how to ride a strong track), and if he can channel that energy on Saturday he can be well-placed alongside his more experienced stablemate, Colorado Blue.

[Read Sixmilewater’s full profile here]

#3: Samantha Lissington and Billy Alberto

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 14th (72.8)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 55th (61.5)
  • Chaumont en Vexin 4*-L, 2nd (35.8)

Sam Lissington’s been on top form this year so far, and while she’s remained pragmatic about it, she’s also not leaving a single stone unturned as she heads toward this weekend with two very competitive horses. She most recently tested all of the gears and buttons at one of the toughest short-format events in the UK at Hartpury’s British Championships, leaving with good results on both horses and focus on fine-tuning the bits and bobs as Burghley looms closer. Billy Alberto, the lesser experienced of Sam’s two rides, hasn’t been given a very strong shot at the top 10 by EquiRatings, perhaps owing to his general (and relatable) disdain for dressage, but often that attitude yields a through and through, real deal Burghley horse. We’ll know in a few days, but this isn’t a pair to count out for a strong Eventing Manager weekend.

[Read Billy Alberto’s full profile here]

#4: Aimee Penny and PSH Encore

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 27th (48.5)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 21st (53.7)
  • Luhmühlen 5*, 23rd (100.6)

Are we sensing a theme yet? In case you’re new around here, or simply follow eventing more casually, Burghley is world-renowned as the toughest cross country course in the world, owing both it its dimensional size and technicality as well as its hilly terrain. Even in perfect conditions, which early weather forecasts indicate Saturday should be, this is a test that not all will succeed at. However, you’re seriously upping your chances if you bring a good cross country horse — even if they take a strong disliking to the first phase, like PSH Encore tends to have in the past. Aimee Penny rides this homebred of Power Sports Horses with the understanding that they’re here to eat monstrous courses for both — that may also mean a few extra marks left behind in the dressage or a pole down on Sunday, but we’re guessing the feeling of taking this spicy mare cross country makes up for any competitive shortcomings.

[Read PSH Encore’s full profile here]

#5: Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit

Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisgarvan 4*-S, 7th (38.6)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 11th (37.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls International 4*-S, 10th (44.4)

“Spirit” is ready for another step up as his 5* career continues, having started out at Pau last fall before tackling his first Badminton this past May. As you look at this horse’s FEI record, you can see his rider begin to ask more of him as he gains experience; this year, he’s been asked to go a bit faster on cross country, with Joseph trusting that he’s begun to build that base of strength and condition to carry him forward into some even tougher challenges such as this weekend.

[Read Belline Fighting Spirit’s full profile here]

#6: Tom Bird and Cowling Hot Gossip


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 21st (48.2)
  • Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 13th (60.4)
  • Badminton 5*, 39th (85.2)

Tom plucked Cowling Hot Gossip from a field as an unbroken five-year-old, paying just £1000 for the British-bred gelding that would go on to be something of a horse of a lifetime. No, this pair won’t really pose a threat to the Lordship Graffalos of the world — but the feeling “Jasper” must give Tom flying across the country has to be absolutely priceless — and well worth that initial cost of entry. It’s not unlikely that this pair will move up in the standings after a mid-field dressage test, though they are coming off a personal best at Hartpury, and while their show jumping record may hold them back from finishing on their dressage score, this is nonetheless becoming one of the pairs in the field with the best relationship and history of 5* performances.

[Read Cowling Hot Gossip’s full profile here]

#9: Padraig McCarthy and MGH Mr Messack


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 20th (48.0)
  • Millstreet International 4*-L, 10th (51.5)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 27th (62.1)

The ever-thoughtful Padraig brings forward a debut horse this week, and again keeping with the theme of solid cross country performers, MGH Mr Messack ticks the right boxes. The dressage is ever a work in progress with this one, who won’t pose a threat on Thursday, but he’s already proven he can run and jump at distance with a strong top-10 finish at Millstreet’s 4*-L and a clear round at the tough Hartpury 4* as his final prep for this weekend. He was also the sole horse to make the time at the 4*-L at Blenheim last year. At just 10, this Irish horse won’t be pushed to put in his absolute best performance as Padraig rides with the long view in mind, but it shouldn’t be surprising if they make some steady climbs in the standings after cross country to put themselves at least within competing distance.

[Read MGH Mr Messack’s full profile here]

#10: Grace Taylor and Game Changer


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 8th (32.5)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 7th (31.5)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 18th (44.2)

One of our two U.S. pairs riding for the Stars & Stripes this weekend, Grace Taylor and Game Changer already have one Burghley cross country completion under their belts, so they’ll be coming into this year knowing they’ve got a whole additional year of experience to build off of. Their weekend at Burghley came to an untimely end when Grace withdrew “Sydney” before show jumping, but before that they’d turned in an impressive sub-30 dressage and jumped clear. They’ve come out very strong this year with some impressive performances on the flat, and if they can put those pieces together this weekend they will be the top-placed U.S. combination.

[Read Game Changer’s full profile here]

#11: Lauren Innes and Global Fision M


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 23rd (49.2)
  • Burnham Market International 4*-S, 23rd (48.9)
  • Tweseldown Intermediate, 13th (33.2)

Kiwi rider Lauren Innes has become something of a stalwart at these big, beefy British 5*s, and for good reason: “Flipper” (which probably wins the award for our favorite barn name of all time) is nothing short of a cross country machine, and while they’re not quite as competitive as they’d like to be on the flat, it’s a bit more forgivable at an event like Burghley. You’ve GOT to have a good cross country horse with staying power to make it around this course, and if Lauren can finish close to her dressage score, she’ll have yet another solid finish to add to her impressive collection.

[Read Global Fision M’s full profile here]

#12: Tom Jackson and Hawk Eye


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 13th (61.1)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 3rd (25.9)
  • Burgham International 4*-L, 3rd (32.7)

Tom Jackson brings forward an exciting 5* debutant in Hawk Eye, who is a former ride of European Champion Nicola Wilson who came to Tom via Kristina Hall Jackson. He’s shown his chops for the top levels and is hitting that age where horses tend to really flourish as they gain the strength and conditioning required to become a 5* horse. You can expect a steadier weekend from Tom and “BB,” but even a solid completion with perhaps just some time on cross country will help this talent for the future set sail for success as he gains more experience.

[Read Hawk Eye’s full profile here]

#15: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 3rd (32.7)
  • Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 1st (29.6)
  • Burnham Market International Advanced, 11th (56.1)

Most would have picked David Doel and his seasoned campaigner, Galileo Nieuwmoed, as podium finishers at MARS Badminton this spring, but a shocking elimination on cross country meant David would need to regroup for another run ’round a “home” 5* here this weekend. This pair has knocked on the door of becoming 5* champions in the past, and a podium finish is far from out of the question if they can show their consistent form across phases. EquiRatings has given this pair a 47% chance at a top 10 finish, and they could go one better and make their way onto that coveted podium when the dust settles on Sunday.

[Read Galileo Nieuwmoed’s full profile here]

#16: Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 40th (54.5)
  • Alnwick Ford International Intermediate, 11th (52.9)
  • Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 18th (80.0)

Cassie is a rising talent for the U.S. who brings forward a horse she knows very well for her Burghley debut. They didn’t have the most perfect of debuts at the level at Kentucky in April, but they finished full of experience and have had the benefit of training from the US Equestrian Eventing Pathway Program to set them on their way for a strong finish this weekend. They won’t be too much in contention after dressage, but they do have the chops to get it done on cross country. Redfield Fyre has been known to have a pole or two in the show jumping, but Cassie will have it in her head to finish on or as close to her dressage score as possible to firmly tick that Burghley box as she continues to develop her own skills and her string for the future.

[Read Redfield Fyre’s full profile here]

#17: Tom Strawson and Public Address


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 40th (54.5)
  • Alnwick Ford International Intermediate, 11th (52.9)
  • Kentucky Three-Day 5*, 18th (80.0)

Who doesn’t love a horse nicknamed “Brian”? Brian, aka Public Address, makes his 5* debut alongside his rider, Tom Strawson, which already gives them the cojones award in our book. Public Address is a full Thoroughbred, which will lend itself well to the grueling test that’s coming Saturday. We wouldn’t pick this pair out to really compete here this week, but really — if they can manage a clear (or, better yet, a double clear) cross country, they will make some moves up the board as this weekend does reward good jumping and galloping and not necessarily strength on the flat.

[Read Public Address’ full profile here]

#18: Daniel Alderson and Blarney Monbeg Pepper


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Bramham International 4*-L, 4th (33.0)
  • Belsay International 4*-S, 29th (47.3)
  • Ballindenisk 4*-S, 8th (48.4)

After narrowly missing out on a podium finish at, arguably, one of the best 5* (and Burghley in particular) preps at Bramham this summer, Daniel Alderson and “Pepper” are another pair poised to make their 5* debut here this weekend (and therefore also recipients of the cojones award, which we definitely will not be giving out in physical trophy form). This feisty Irish mare has already proven that tricky courses are exactly her game, and this is another pair capable of making some major moves up the board once dressage is over with and it’s on to the fun stuff.

[Read Blarney Monbeg Pepper’s full profile here]

#19: Emma Hyslop-Webb and Jeweetwel


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 45th (81.6)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 30th (57.2)
  • Bramham International 4*-S, 34th (81.9)

Emma Hyslop-Webb returns for another go at Defender Burghley after jumping around here last year with Jeweetwel (which was also both her and “Huey’s” 5* debut and deserving of a cojones award as well). A pesky 20 and a hefty amount of time on cross country prevented the pair from being more competitive, but they’ve got some strong results in the intervening months to build off of and leave this weekend feeling they’ve improved across all three phases.

[Read Jeweetwel’s full profile here]

#20: Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 12th (59.0)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 8th (33.1)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 31st (53.7)

Podium finishes at MARS Badminton in 2024, Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint certainly made their fair share of fans in their 5* debut. They now come forward for their first crack and Burghley, having focused primarily on National-level events in their lead-up to this weekend. Speed is a strong suit of this pair’s, and a big contributor to their success at Badminton, but of course Burghley is a different beast. If they can manage a similar performance to their Badminton efforts, they will be well-placed in the victory gallop come Sunday.

[Read RCA Patron Saint’s full profile here]

#21: Holly Richardson and Ballyneety Silver Service


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Frickley Park International Intermediate, 13th (67.3)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 29th (48.4)
  • Bramham International 4*-L, 20th (42.0)

Holly Richardson is looking to have another 5* horse for her string after this weekend as the 10-year-old “Butler” makes his debut after an impressive string of results in preparation for this move-up. He still needs some work in the final phase, but cross country has become his speciality, and will serve him well this weekend. Even a low-40s finishing mark will be a strong debut for this pair, and Holly will be riding with an eye to the future with this young rising star.

[Read Ballyneety Silver Service’s full profile here]

#22: Will Rawlin and Ballycoog Breaker Boy


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 43th (55.1)
  • Badminton 5*, 23rd (58.6)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 14th (40.5)

Will Rawlin and “William” come in as a highly-touted pair that’s demonstrated consistency at this level, especially on cross country. They’ve taken it steady in their preps for this weekend, and they’ll be looking to build off a top-25 finish at MARS Badminton this spring. They’re liable to have some time on cross country, but they can put in a really nice test to set themselves up well for the rest of the weekend.

[Read Ballycoog Breaker Boy’s full profile here]

#23: Piggy March and MCS Maverick


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 19th (47.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 1st (36.1)
  • Aston-le-Walls 4*-S, 25th (53.1)

Most eventing fans in the know will be buzzing to see the 5* debut of this newer partnership between Piggy March and MCS Maverick, who competed at the 5* level with Pippa Funnell. Piggy’s remained pragmatic about “Eric’s” competitive potential this weekend, understanding that she’s only had the ride on this, at times, powder keg of a horse for a few months. But Piggy wouldn’t bring the horse to an event like Burghley without some confidence that they’ve got the ingredients and the strength of partnership to make a good run to build off of. MCS Maverick has the tools to be very competitive at major events like this; the key will be managing his emotions and reactivity on the first day and keeping him focused and in the bridle on cross country. It won’t be shocking if this pair have a strong, top-15 or better performance, but also understandable if Piggy opts to take it slower and steadier, racking up time penalties but gaining strength and trust in her newest ride to come back and go for the win next time around.

[Read MCS Maverick’s full profile here]

#24: Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Upton House Intermediate, 32nd (67.4)
  • Badminton 5*, 4th (33.8)
  • Thoresby Park International 3*-S, 72nd (58.8)

Podium finisher alert! Cavalier Crystal seemed to absolutely love Burghley last year, finishing third in strong fashion with Harry in the irons. She then went on to take home fourth at MARS Badminton this past spring, so it’s not unusual to be thinking about this pair for your Eventing Manager team or when you’re tasked with picking a winner among your barn pals. Harry, always a consummate horseman, knows exactly how to get a horse fit for a test like this, and even with Derek di Grazia’s reversed track this year, we can count on this pair as one that should show us the way — and make it look almost easy in the process.

[Read Cavalier Crystal’s full profile here]

#25: Michael Owen and J’Adore Salsa


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 41st (54.9)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 3rd (33.5)
  • Bramham International 4*-L, 18th (41.1)

This is another pair who’ve used events like Bramham to really test their readiness for this next step up, and a top-20 finish in the 4*-L this year has set them up well for what could be a very strong 5* debut for “Salsa.” This is a pair that truly has the ingredients to make a very well-rounded effort and finish well as a result; they can be competitive on the flat and also have the chops to jump a clear show jumping on Sunday. Should they prove they can marry those pieces together, they’ll be looking at a top-15 or better finish at Burghley this year.

[Read J’adore Salsa’s full profile here]

#26: Simon Grieve and Autograf


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 18th (45.9)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 52nd (59.1)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 1st (27.0)

When he’s not part of the hosting squad of the Shut Up and Ride podcast (which you should definitely take a listen to!), Simon Grieve is producing 5* horses like Autograf, who makes his 5* debut this weekend. They’ve also got Bramham’s tough 4*-L under their belts en route to this debut, and while Autograf has some improvement to make in the final phase, they’re a good shout to deliver a clear, albeit potentially steady, cross country on Saturday after turning in a respectable dressage score to start off their weekend.

[Read Autograf’s full profile here]

#27: Alexander Bragg and Ardeo Premier


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 14th (40.6)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 6th (45.1)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 17th (43.5)

This pair have already ticked off Pau, Luhmühlen and Badminton during their 5* tenure and now look ahead to their biggest challenge to date. They may fly somewhat under the radar, but they really should be firmly on your radar as you’re handicapping this field. They’ve notched clear jumping rounds on cross country at both Badminton and Luhmühlen, and if “Eddie” can cope with the additional terrain this weekend, they’ll be well-positioned for perhaps a personal best finish.

[Read Ardeo Premier’s full profile here]

#28: Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 13th (51.3)
  • Badminton 5*, 40th (85.7)
  • Ballindenisk 4*-S, 14th (58.0)

If you want to know how to get a horse fit to run around Burghley, Sam Watson is an excellent person to ask. He’s got loads of experience at this event and 5* in general, and his attention to data and detail makes him an all-around expert on how to manage horses well. He’ll put all that to the ultimate test with Ballyneety Rocketman, who steps up the level for the first time this weekend.

[Read Ballyneety Rocketman’s full profile here]

#30: Caroline Powell and High Time V


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 13th (51.3)
  • Badminton 5*, 40th (85.7)
  • Ballindenisk 4*-S, 14th (58.0)

Caroline Powell’s latest superstar comes to us via Pau and Badminton for this Burghley debut, and this is another out and out cross country horse that’s become something of Caroline’s staple over the years. This is another pair who will need to sort whether or not they can cope with the Burghley terrain, but a solid effort here will be very validating for Caroline, especially with next year’s World Championships at Aachen looming.

[Read High Time V’s full profile here]

#31: Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza II


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Wellington International 3*-S, 8th (39.7)
  • Badminton 5*, 25th (62.5)
  • Burnham Market International, 16th (46.3)

Grit is one word to describe this pair, who’ve already proven they can jump clear without time on tough cross country (see: their 2022 World Championships performance), and they’ve found success here at Burghley in the past with a sixth place finish last year, adding just 3.6 time penalties on Saturday. This year stands to potentially be an even bigger test with the reversed direction, but if all three phases come together, they could well move on up into the top 5 or better come Sunday.

[Read Zaragoza II’s full profile here]

#32: Alice Casburn and Topspin


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 9th (45.3)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 19 (42.6)
  • Aston-le-Wall Advanced, 3rd (40.0)

Alice Casburn and Topspin have become regular features on these big 5* rosters, and they’ve finished well here at Burghley in the past with a fifth-place finish in 2022. They’re definite climbers, not quite having the strength to compete with the Lordships Graffalos and Vitalis of the world at this juncture, but a pair that can climb is usually well-rewarded here, and you can expect to see them doing just that across Saturday and Sunday.

[Read Topspin’s full profile here]

#33: Max Warburton and Deerpairc Revelry


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 6th (39.7)
  • Aston-le-Walls 4*-S, 1st (25.4)
  • Badminton 5*, 45th (92.1)

Deerpairc Revelery made their 5* debut at Burghley last year, finishing a very respectable 18th. They’ve had a great run-up to this year’s event, with a win at the 4* level at Aston-le-Walls, and if Max can replicate that form for this weekend, we won’t be surprised to see them finish in the top 10 on what promises to be a very challenging weekend.

[Read Deerpairc Revelry’s full profile here]

#34: Elspeth Bryce and Lacoste


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 23rd (44.6)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 7th (46.0)
  • Bramham International 4*-L, 29th (66.1)

Rookie alert! This pair also wins the cojones award and will come forward for both horse and rider’s 5* debut this weekend. They’ve ticked all the right boxes in their lead-up, running the 4*-L at Bramham and also tackling Burgham’s 4*-S this year. Don’t look for a winning dressage score here to set their weekend off, but they’ve been pretty consistent in the jumping phases and should do well to put in a solid finish for their debut.

[Read Lacoste’s full profile here]

#35: Jack Mantel and Jack Daniels


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 24th (52.5)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 38th (53.6)
  • Badminton 5*, 32nd (71.6)

The double Jack is back for another 5* go, and looking to improve on their Badminton performance that featured a steadier cross country and two poles down on Sunday. They aren’t quite at a point where they can really compete with the top pairs on the flat, and this run will be all about continuing that all-important education, but an improved finishing score will make Jack a happy guy when everything comes to a close on Sunday.

[Read Jack Daniels’ full profile here]

#36: Tom Crisp and Dassett Rock Star


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 45th (59.9)
  • Upton House International, 8th (35.8)
  • Badminton 5*, 51st (107.3)

Tom Crisp brings back Dassett Rock Star for a second 5* go this weekend, and he’ll be looking to make some improvements from his run at Badminton earlier this spring, where a pesky 20 and three poles down kept them from being more competitive. They’ve been on good form leading up to this weekend and if they can knock off the penalties they accumulated at Badminton, they’ll finish quite well here.

[Read Dassett Rock Star’s full profile here]

#37: Emma Thomas and Icarus X


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 49th (66.1)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 25th (46.4)
  • Badminton International 5*, 52nd (114.9)

Another pair that debuted here at Burghley (2023), Emma Thomas and Icarus X have become notable figures on the entry lists each time out. Emma earned a clear on cross country back in 2023, and while the buzz this year is that the optimum will be that much harder to attain with the reversed direction of the course, this pair is a solid one to bet on to be well-placed heading into show jumping if they can cross the finish without any silly errors.

[Read Icarus X’s full profile here]

#38: Katie Magee and Treworra


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 1st (29.7)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 2nd (38.2)
  • Badminton 5*, 11th (46.6)

Newly-crowned British Open Champions, Katie Magee and Treworra are poised to make a really strong impression at Burghley this weekend. They were 11th at Badminton earlier this year, and the British Open at Hartpury is arguably one of the tougher tracks one could run, especially in prep for a 5*. They’ll be really well-positioned and prepared to have a good run here, and if their form this year is anything to bet on, this could be a very special weekend to remember.

[Read Treworra’s full profile here]

#40: Tim Price and Vitali


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 2nd (30.9)
  • Aachen 4*-S, 1st (30.5)
  • Badminton 5*, 10th (46.2)

Vitali is a horse that truly needs little introduction, and while he’s earned himself a bit of a *reputation* when it comes to the final phase, he’s certainly a horse that can win at this level. He’s coming in hot off a win at CHIO Aachen and a second in the British Open Championships at Hartpury, and he has done as well as lowering just one pole at Burghley in the past. Tim’s been candid about his struggles on Sunday with this horse, who can set a record on the first day and jump clear and fast on Saturday, and if he’s found a way to manage those poles, you’ll be looking at a podium finisher.

[Read Vitali’s full profile here]

#41: Tara Dixon and Master Smart


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Carlow-Lisvargan 4*-S, 24th (72.2)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 39th (54.6)
  • Belsay International 4*-S, 65th (105.7)

We’ve got another 5* rookie pair here in Tara and “Fred,” who come forward with eventing in their blood and ice in their veins. They’ve got a bit of work to do to make this a competitive weekend, but for all intents and purposes, a finish here this weekend will do a lot to boost both horse and rider confidence as they continue to develop for the future. Show jumping is a particular strong suit for this pair, and if they can emerge from Saturday with just some time penalties, they’ll be well-sat to have a strong debut to build off of.

[Read Master Smart’s full profile here]

#42: Alexander Tordoff and Cool Jack


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 65th (73.9)
  • Thoresby Park International 4*-S, 14th (50.2)
  • Riseholme College Lincoln Intermediate, 10th (47.4)

It’s a Burghley debut for Alexander and “Colin,” who stepped up to 5* at Pau last year. They’ve not quite shown the speed on cross country that would allow them to really climb the leaderboard, but for a pair that’s been together since Alex’s junior career, a finish here will be a big feather in the cap, especially if the only thing they add to their starting penalty is time.

[Read Cool Jack’s full profile here]

#43: Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 27th (46.1)
  • Aachen 4*-S, 16th (46.8)
  • Farley Hall Intermediate, 4th (35.2)

Aussie pair Sammi Birch and “Louis” did not have the Burghley debut of dreams when they first came here in 2022, parting ways on cross country and ending their season on a low note. They’ve since, however, completed Badminton twice in the top 25 and will now look to put those Burghley demons to rest for good. They’ve not really got the flatwork to put themselves in a high position ahead of cross country, but a clean pair of jumping rounds will do them well for a much stronger finish than their first go-round.

[Read Finduss PFB’s full profile here]

#44: Matthew Heath and Askari


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 50th (66.2)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 27th (59.5)
  • Belsay International 4*-S, 45th (55.8)

Matt Heath brings Askari back for a second run at Burghley this year, having run here both in 2023 and 2024, albeit with penalties accrued on cross country. They’ll really be looking to deliver a coveted clear round this week, not having the success they wanted at Luhmühlen earlier this year either.

[Read Askari’s full profile here]

#46: Laura Collett and Bling


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 8th (34.2)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 7th (30.0)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 10th (25.1)

It’s a first Burghley for Bling, one of Laura Collett’s rising stars coming up behind the legendary London 52. In fact, you’d have to look back over a decade to find the last time Laura herself competed here at Burghley, as she’s either not had the right horse or been more focused on Championships in the intervening years since she was last here with Noble Bestman in 2011. For her part, Bling spent the better part of nearly three seasons at the 4* and Advanced level, really getting confident before Laura opted to move her up at Badminton. They had a green 20 there, but Laura’s charged ahead and knows she’s got a potential Burghley horse on her hands now. This weekend will still be about education for this 12-year-old, but Laura also doesn’t show up to have a canter around — if she’s feeling good on Saturday, she’ll come home as competitively as she can.

[Read Bling’s full profile here]

#47: Jesse Campbell and Cooley Lafitte


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 8th (43.7)
  • Burgham International Intermediate, 6th (33.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 14th (39.7)

This is another horse that’s done a double clear on cross country at Burghley, and while the road has been a bit up and down for “Henry,” he’s clearly got the ingredients to compete with the best — and he’s got one of the most empathetic horseman sat atop him to boot. If Jesse can harness the best of Henry in all three phases, a top finish here is certainly not out of the question.

[Read Cooley Lafitte’s full profile here]

#48: Aaron Millar and Friendship VDL


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 9th (37.0)
  • Upton House Novice, 16th (54.6)
  • Burnham Market International 4*-S, 55th (69.3)

Friendship VDL showed up to Burghley for his 5* debut in 2024, jumping clear around cross country and just adding time plus a rail on Sunday to his finishing mark for a top-25 finish. They were meant to compete at Badminton in the spring, but had to withdraw ahead of cross country. Expect a low- or mid-30s mark to start things off for this pair, and a steady clear that builds off of the experience and fitness gained in the last 12 months.

[Read Friendship VDL’s full profile here]

#50: Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Burgham International 4*-S, 5th (27.9)
  • Upton House Intermediate, 1st (21.8)
  • Badminton 5*, 2nd (26.3)

Cooley Rosalent needs little introduction and is nearly a sure thing for a podium finish, if Oliver Townend has anything to say about it. The Kentucky 5* winner and Badminton runner-up makes her first start at Burghley, but she brings tons of experience to the table with an astounding six 5* completions to date. Expect “Rosie” to lead or at least challenge the likes of Lordships Graffalo and Vitali in the dressage and a clear cross country that’s damn near if not bang on the optimum time. If she can deal with the additional terrain this week, you could be looking at your eventual winner or, at the very least, podium finisher.

[Read Cooley Rosalent’s full profile here]

#51: Emily King and Valmy Biats


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Scone Palace International 4*-S, 3rd (26.0)
  • Aston-le-Walls Novice, 1st (25.0)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 20th (43.4)

This is another pair who’s really due their day in this oh-so-heartbreaking sport. Emily’s come achingly close to a dream weekend in the past with this horse, finishing as high as fourth place at the level. EquiRatings has given this pair a 15% win chance, and wow, what a weekend it would be if Emily can pull this off. She’s been on great form with Valmy Biats this summer, bringing home two sub-30 finishing scores in her preps, including at the 4*-S at Scone Palace in Scotland, and she should be riding a wave of confidence knowing that this 10th start could be the charm.

[Read Valmy Biats’ full profile here]

#52: Christoph Wahler and D’Accord FRH


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Strzegom 4*-S, 1st (34.8)
  • Badminton 5*, 7th (40.2)
  • Radolfzell 3*-S, 2nd (27.9)

Somehow left off the European Championships team for Germany, we get the benefit of having one of the country’s rising talents with us this week in Christoph and D’Accord FRH, who’ve come close to a podium finish at this level in the past. They were ninth at Kentucky in 2024 and seventh at Badminton this year, and while this will be their Burghley debut with its added challenges, they’ve proven time and time again that they can finish strong when it counts the most. Of note: this pair has also gone clear inside the time at both of their 5* starts, and while the consensus this year at Burghley is that the time may prove to be nearly impossible, this will be one pair to give it a good crack.

[Read D’Accord FRH’s full profile here]

#53: Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 1st (22.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 4th (40.2)
  • Badminton 5*, 1st (25.3)

Does this pair even need any handicapping? It’s hard not to feel Ros can just swoop right to the win this weekend, and it would be silly to put all your eggs in one basket so early. But hey, if consistency is your thing, you can’t really get much more consistent than this pair, who handily won this event last year to add to their growing pile of trophies. Ros is riding fairly early on in her pregnancy with her second child, and she removed herself from Europeans selection as a result, so there’s of course a chance she’ll go out on Saturday and feel she isn’t 100%. However, barring that, this will be the pair to watch all weekend as they bid for their second consecutive Burghley title. They’re coming off a win (on a 22.8!) at the tough 4*-S at Hartpury, so they’ll be full of confidence as they tackle this next challenge.

[Read Lordships Graffalo’s full profile here]

#54: Selina Milnes and Gelmer


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 17th (45.9)
  • Burgham International 4*-S, 56th (69.3)
  • Badminton 5*, 54th (139.4)

Having completed Badminton twice, it’s now time for Selena Milnes and Gelmer to make their debut at Burghley this week. Their 5* record isn’t *perfect* — they had some trouble at Badminton this spring — but they’re coming off some solid prep runs to get ready for this next challenge. They’ve got a low-30s mark in them on the right day, but this weekend’s success will come down to the jumping phases. If Selena can manage just time penalties, they’ll be well-sat to have their best 5* finish to date.

[Read Gelmer’s full profile here]

#55: Arthur Marx and Church’Ile


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Badminton 5*, 50th (106.9)
  • Les 5 Etoiles de Pau 5*, 41st (80.4)
  • Aachen 4*-S, 38th (114.3)

It’s always interesting to see the paths riders choose to take to Burghley. For example, Arthur Marx brings forward Church’ile with six other 5*s already under his belt at both Pau and Badminton. Of course, there are multiple variables on why coming here to Burghley wouldn’t have made sense, but it also indicates that perhaps Arthur wanted his horse to carry that ever-important base of fitness and experience into this big test. This is a pair that’s also struggled a bit at the level, so a sensible goal for them will be to jump clear on Saturday and Sunday, but they’ve proven they can complete at the level many times over. Now, it’s about the fine-tuning so they can be ever more competitive.

[Read Church’Ile’s full profile here]

#56: Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 4th (35.2)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 5th (42.7)
  • Badminton 5*, 3rd (31.2)

Terrain doesn’t seem to be much bother for “Salty,” who won the MARS Maryland 5 Star in 2023 on tough going. He’s finished on the podium at the level a total of three times, and while Burghley is actually the event he’s had the least success at (his top finish here is 14th, in 2024), this is another horse that’s an all-out cross country machine. He’s not a slouch on the flat, and while he won’t dip down into the low 20s, he can still put in a respectable score to finish on, which he’s proven he can do multiple times over.

[Read Colorado Blue’s full profile here]

#58: Tom Bird and Rebel Rhyme


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International 4*-S, 38th (61.2)
  • Dauntsey Park Intermediate, 14th (64.9)
  • Bramham International 4*-S, 28th (46.0)

“Hughie” is a former hunt horse who should take to this Burghley track with gusto. He’s not going to be Tom’s most competitive ride this week, but it’s all about experience and improvement, even by the smallest margins. Tom will be looking to improve on their 2023 run here, which was marred by some errors on cross country and several poles down on Sunday.

[Read Rebel Rhyme’s full profile here]

#59: Samantha Lissington and Lord Seekönig


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Hartpury International Open Championships, 5th (37.3)
  • Little Downham Intermediate, 2nd (34.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Advanced, 5th (44.9)

As the more experienced of Sam Lissington’s two rides, Lord Seekonig is poised to be very competitive here this weekend. He’s coming off a fifth in the British Open Championships and a second at an easy Intermediate run this summer, and while his 5* record is not *quite* as strong as we’re sure Sam would like, this is a rider who’s been on great form and knows exactly when to ask for more from her string of horses. This weekend stands as an opportunity to rise to the occasion, and with three good phases you’ll be looking at one of our top finishers in the victory gallop on Sunday.

[Read Lord Seekonig’s full profile here]

#61: Harry Meade and Annaghmore Valoner


Most Recent 3 Completed Runs:

  • Upton House Intermediate, 30th (61.7)
  • Burghley 5*, 4th (31.8)
  • Aston-le-Walls Intermediate, 20th (43.3)

Fourth here last year in her Burghley debut, Annaghmore Valoner comes forward ready to potentially finish even better this year with Harry Meade. She’s been lightly campaigned as is Harry’s nature for his horses, but she’s a consistent lady who can show up to drop a score in the 20s and finish on it when needed. This is another potential podium finisher — don’t let her time penalties in any prep runs fool you. She’s done the time here before, and with any luck she’s well-poised to do it again on Saturday.

[Read Annaghmore Valoner’s full profile here]

Many thanks to Kentucky Performance Products for their support of our Defender Burghley coverage! Click here to learn all about their science-backed and time-tested nutritional support products for horses.

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

The Rest is Still Unwritten: Drama at Burghley’s First Horse Inspection

By on Sep 3, 2025 2:30 pm -

Joseph Murphy and Belline Fighting Spirit. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There’s always a unique kind of buzz and anticipation that comes before the first horse inspection at a CCI5*. That final hour before it begins feels like the hinterland of possibility: the nerves haven’t totally kicked in yet, the atmosphere is convivial and unhurried, and everyone – from the groundsmen doing their rounds to the coffee stand folks steaming their first lattes of the week, has time to stop and chat and smile. To lean on a cliché, you could say that it’s the calm before the storm; today at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, it actually just… was the storm. 

Though most of the day thus far had escaped some pretty grizzly weather warnings, in the final couple of hours before everything was set to kick off, they all caught up with us at once. Team EN was split between the sensible one, tucked away in the media centre, and the deeply silly one (me), hiding under a tree at the Leaf Pit, wringing bucketloads of water out of my bra and wondering if a tree might not be the best protection from lightning. We all survived, but morale was dented, frankly. 

The relentlessness of the rainfall (and all its accoutrements) meant that the trot-up got shunted a half-hour along in the schedule, which mostly worked out in everybody’s favour – at least until the final few horses and riders, at which point we all got to feel the rain on our skin, no one else can feel it for us, only we can let it in, et cetera et cetera. 

Today gave us our first introduction to this week’s ground jury, presided over by Andrew Bennie of New Zealand, who’s joined by Christina Klingspor of Sweden and Valerie Pride of the USA.

Laura Birley and Bob Cotton Bandit. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sadly, the field of 52 was thinned by one at this early juncture: Burghley first-timer Laura Birley was sent to the holding box with her 17-year-old Bob Cotton Bandit, and upon re-presentation, the pair were not accepted into the competition. 

That was the only combination to even glimpse the holding box at this first inspection – though it wasn’t the only display of drama. Even in the ever-shifting landscape of eventing, Burghley remains the pinnacle in terms of terrain and stamina questions, and many of the horses taking part in the competition were more than happy to show off just how fit they are – to the chagrin, perhaps, of their well-coiffed and grimacing handlers. Though more than a few decided to demonstrate their scope to the crowds, and one or two slipped the lead and attempted to make a dash for cross-country, all were happily returned to their assigned seats and kept it together enough to get the job done. 

Sam Lissington and Billy Alberto. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The HiHo Silver Best-Dressed awards went to New Zealand’s Sam Lissington, who’s double-handed this week with Lord Seekonig and Billy Alberto, and to Great Britain’s Matt Heath, who brings forward Askari for his third crack at Burghley.

Matt Heath and Askari. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

And now? It’s on to day one of dressage, which begins tomorrow at the remarkably sociable hour of 10.00 a.m. local time (5.00 a.m. EST – less sociable, sorry). The first horse and rider to enter the ring will be World Number One Harry Meade and the trailblazer of his three rides this week, Et Hop du Matz. He’ll be followed by Ireland’s Austin O’Connor and his first of two rides, Sixmilewater. We’ll see both of our US representatives come forward tomorrow, too: British-based Grace Taylor will come forward with Game Changer at 11.15 (6.15 a.m. EST), while Cassie Sanger, who’s been based with Ros Canter during her stint on European soil this summer, will ride at 11.47 (6.47 a.m. EST) with Redfield Fyre. 

We’ll be bringing you two jam-packed reports tomorrow, but that’s not all: this week, Team EN is also a two-horse runner, so you can expect plenty of extra insights into the competition and its participants, plus, of course, our bumper form guide and Ultimate Guide, which will be live and kicking this evening. Keep it locked on EN, pop your wellies on, and let’s Go Eventing!

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

World Champions, Olympians and First-Timers to Take On 2025 Agria FEI Eventing European Championships at Blenheim

By on Sep 3, 2025 9:00 am -

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

With just two weeks to go, the anticipation is building for the prestigious Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace from 18 – 21 September. All nations have now released the names of their team riders, showcasing a plethora of talent, from first timers to seasoned champions – it is sure to be the event of the season.

The team lists are a ‘who’s who’ of eventing royalty, with Germany’s team featuring Grand Slam winner, triple Olympic gold medallist and triple European Champion Michael Jung and Arville FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2025 winners Calvin Böckmann and Libussa Lübekke. Great Britain will present Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallists Laura Collett MBE and Tom McEwen, as well as World Champion Yasmin Ingham, and renowned five-star riders Piggy March, Caroline Harris and Bubby Upton.

Susie Berry and Clever Trick. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

From further afield, Turkey will put forward a sole rider, as Kumru Say flies the flag for her country’s first ever appearance at this level of the sport, whilst Norway’s Yasmin Olsson-Payne will make her debut at senior European level riding the nine-year-old Cos Me Will.

Sweden has a strong selection for contention, looking to secure a podium position again after their team bronze at the Europeans in 2021. Christoffer Forsberg and Hippo’s Sapporo TSF, who were a part of the 2021 team, are joined by Frida Andersen who has two Olympics, two European Championships and a World Championships under her belt. Sofia Sjöborg, will bring Govalent for his first Championship, with Amanda Staam and Corpoubet AT – who were part of the Swedish team at the European Championship 2023 and Olympic reserves in Paris, rounding out the team.

Olympians are dotted throughout, with Nicholas Touzaint – former dual European Champion – making the French team following his team silver medal at Paris 2024, and Ireland’s selection consisting of Olympians Susie Berry and Sarah Ennis. Switzerland’s rider selection mirrors that of their Paris selection, with Robin Godel, Mélody Johner, Nadja Minder and Felix Vogg announced, but only Nadja Minder will ride the same horse she took, partnering up again with Toblerone.

Nadja Minder and Toblerone. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Blenheim is preparing to host what promises to be a fiercely contested Championship. The blend of world-class titleholders and first-time competitors will make this year’s Agria FEI Eventing European Championship a weekend to remember.

To find out more, and book your tickets, visit bpiht.co.uk.

Please find the full entry list below:

AUSTRIA
Harald Ambros, with Vitorio Du Monete
Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati, with Renegade
Lea Siegl, with Van Helsing P

BELGIUM
Wouter De Cleene, with Quintera
Lara De Liederkerke – Meier, with Hooney d’Arville
Karin Donckers, with Ceres De La Brasserie
Senne Vervaecke, with Google van Alsingen

CZECH REPUBLIC
Jaroslav Abik, with Madock
Pavel Brezina, with Turin

FINLAND
Sanna Siltakorpi, with Bofey Click

FRANCE
Sebastien Cavaillon, with Elipsco De La Vigne
Luc Chateau, with Cocorico de L’Ebat
Alexis Goury, with Je’Vall
Benjamin Massie, with Figaro Fonroy
Astier Nicolas, with Alertamalibo’or
Nicolas Touzaint, with Absolut Gold HDC

GERMANY
Nicolai Aldinger, with Timmo
Calvin Böckmann, with The Phantom of the Opera
Malin Hansen-Hotopp, with Carlitos Quidditch K
Michael Jung, with fischerChipmunk FRH
Libussa Lübbeke, with Caramia
Jérôme Robiné, with Black Ice

GREAT BRITAIN
Laura Collett, with London 52
Caroline Harris, with D. Day
Yasmin Ingham, with Rehy DJ
Piggy March, with Halo
Tom McEwen, with JL Dublin
Bubby Upton, with Its Cooley Time

HUNGARY
Noémi Viola Doerfer, with Piltown Harry
Balázs Kaizinger, with Herr Cooles Classico

IRELAND
Susannah Berry, with Clever Trick
Ian Cassells, with Millridge Atlantis
Aoife Clark, with Full Monty De Lacense
Sarah Ennis, with Dourough Ferro Class Act
Robbie Kearns, with Chance Encounter
Padraig McCarthy, with Pomp n Circumstance

ITALY
Daniele Bizzarro, with Stormhill Riot
Pietro Majolino, with Vita Louise DH Z
Vittoria Panizzon, with DHI Jackpot
Arianna Schivo, with First Lady de Belheme
Giovanni Ugolotti, with Duke of Champions

LITHUANIA
Aistis Vitkauskas, with Commander VG

LUXEMBOURG
Christian Chabot, with Flora-B-Lux

NORWAY
Yasmin Olsson-Payne, with Cos Me Will

SWEDEN
Frida Andersen, with Stonehavens Baby Blue
Christoffer Forsberg, with Hippo’s Sapporo TSF
Sofia Sjoborg, with Govalent
Amanda Staam, with Corpoubet AT

SWITZERLAND
Robin Godel, with Global DHI
Mélody Johner, with Erin
Nadja Minder, with Toblerone
Felix Vogg, with Frieda

TURKEY
Kumru Say, with Baladin De L’Ocean La

You can find the full list of entries for this year’s Agria FEI Eventing European Championship here.

Wednesday News & Notes from Maryland Horse Trials

By on Sep 3, 2025 12:01 am -

A very special announcement this morning from Defender Burghley, which hosts unique Masterclass events on the arena breaks throughout the weekend. This year, dressage legend Carl Hester returns to teach a Masterclass, and Tom McEwen (GBR) will be joining as a rider. Making the announcement even more special is the fact that Tom’s longtime 5* and Olympic horse, Toledo de Kerser, will be his ride for this session. Toledo de Kerser has been rehabbing from an injury sustained at Badminton in 2023, and the 18-year-old Selle Francais gelding has been jumping small jumps and returning to full flatwork in recent months. This session will take place in the Main Arena on Friday, September 5 at 12:30 p.m. local time.

Major International Events

Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]

Strzegom Autumn Show (Poland): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Stone Gate Farm Mini H.T. (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

It’s a reunion worth a tissue or two! Recently, a video was posted of longtime manager, groom, organizer and overall wearer of all hats Joanie Morris taking a spin on Phillip Dutton’s Tokyo horse, Z. Z was retired from upper-level sport due to an injury, but he’s still raring to go and do things, and Phillip and Z’s owners felt this was the best way for their special horse to enjoy his retirement. Read up on this sweet story here.

2025 marks 15 years since the establishment of the Retired Racehorse Project and 10 years of the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover, an annual competition showcasing the versatility of the Thoroughbred beyond the racetrack. About 375 horses are expected to compete at this year’s event, which will take place Oct. 8-11 and is again presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, an organization founded by several racing owners in 1990 to promote the well-being of retired racehorses. The non-profit provides grants to Thoroughbred organizations and has sponsored the Makeover since 2012. RRP’s Executive Director Kirsten Green sat down with The Chronicle of the Horse to debrief on updates to the Makeover’s format and the past decade of showcases here.

What are the regulations you must know for each level of eventing in the U.S.? This USEA rule refresher is here to help if you’re not up to speed! You can brush up on the specs for each level so you know what to expect as you move up here.

Sponsor Corner: Maryland Horse Trials

There are not just one, but TWO awesome clinic opportunities coming this fall to Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD! On September 27, you have the opportunity to ride with the one and only Andrew Heffernan, the new designer in residence at Loch Moy Farm and an Olympic rider and coach in his own right.

🔹 Learn how course design influences decision-making
🔹 Sharpen your instinct for safer lines and smarter gallops
🔹 Build the skills that help horses stay confident through technical questions

Learn more and sign up here.

Then, come back October 14-15 for a 2-Day Succeed XC Master Class with 6-time Badminton Horse Trials winner Lucinda Green! Lucinda is a regular clinician at Loch Moy Farm, always eager to share her knowledge particularly as it pertains to cross country riding.

Clinic format: Two Days, 4-6 riders per group, approximately 2 hours per group.

Day 1: Cross Country technique using schooling fences and gymnastic exercises
Day 2: Cross Country fences

Make sure to sign up here before slots fill up!

Video Break

Preview an action-packed week at Defender Burghley:

Experienced Irish Squad Named for Eventing European Championships in Blenheim

By on Sep 2, 2025 9:00 am -

Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

High Performance Eventing Manager Dag Albert has named Ireland’s Senior squad for the upcoming Agria FEI Eventing European Championship.

Albert has chosen an experienced sextet for the championship taking place at the UK venue in just over two weeks, with Olympians Susie Berry, Sarah Ennis, Padraig McCarthy and Aoife Clark joined by Ian Cassells and Robbie Kearns in the squad.

Coming off 2024 Nations Cup successes at home in Millstreet and at Boekelo, and with new, exciting combinations coming through the ranks, Albert is hopeful of a positive result at the championship having had a difficult decision to finalise his squad of six.

He said: “I’m looking forward to it. It was very tough to end up on a squad of six, such is the depth of talent we have at the moment but the squad is very experienced and the horses are in great form.

“I think it’s going to be a tough test – particularly cross country. Mark Phillips is course designer and he produces very strong cross country courses but I think that will suit our horses and riders.

“You look at the squad we have chosen – Sarah, Aoife and Susie competed in Paris and Padraig has previously competed at the Olympics, while Robbie and Ian have both been on winning teams for us recently so I’ll be hopeful of performing well.

“Obviously eventing is a tough sport and you always do need an element of luck but if we get that we should be thereabouts. We’re all very much looking forward to it.”

Susie Berry and Clever Trick. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Irish Senior Eventing Squad for the Agria FEI Eventing Championship at Blenheim Palace, in alphabetical order, is:

  • Susie Berry – Clever Trick (ISH) – groom Crisy Salmon – owned by Anne Marling & Sue Wilkinson
  • Ian Cassells – Millridge Atlantis (ISH)-  groom Leanne Foster – owned by Gerry Leahy, Fiona Leahy & Ber Leahy
  • Aoife Clark – Full Monty de Lacense – groom Natalie Wallace – owned by Ace of Spades Syndicate
  • Sarah Ennis – Dourough Ferro Class Act (ISH) groom Emily Singleton – owned by James Potterton & Niki Potterton
  • Robbie Kearns – Chance Encounter (ISH) – groom Maxine Rae – owned by Richard Ames
  • Padraig McCarthy – Pomp ‘n’ Circumstance – groom Keara Schmidt – owned by Rachel Gough & Sarah Gough

Non travelling reserves in alphabetical order:

  • Georgie Goss – Kojak – groom Shauna Carman – owned by Molly Fisher, Lucy Fleming, Samantha Williams & Georgie Goss
  • Joseph Murphy – Calmaro – groom Gillian Smyth – owned by Richard Ames, Tanya Ames, Alan Bell & Annette O’Callaghan
  • Austin O’Connor – Sixmilewater (ISH) – groom Jess Elliott – owned by Nicky Bennell

Robbie Kearnes and Chance Encounter. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

BREEDING:

Clever Trick (ISH) – 2015 mare by FINANCIAL REWARD out of BONNIE DOLLY. Breeder: Vincent Cousins . Owner: Ann Marling and Sue Wilkinson, ridden by Susie Berry

Millridge Atlantis (ISH) – 2014 gelding by Dinan Cascaletto (ISH) out of Kereen Sue (ISH) by Warrenstown You 2 (ISH). Breeder: Sean O’Loughlin, Co Kilkenny. Owner: Fiona Leahy and Gerry Leahy

Dourough Ferro Class Act (ISH)– 2015 gelding by S CREEVAGH FERRO (KWPN) out of ISHD CLASS ACT (ISH) by O.B.O.S. QUALITY 004 (OLD). Bred by Gordon Drury, owned by James and Niki Potterton, ridden by Sarah Ennis.

Chance Encounter VII. (ISH)(TIH) – 2009 gelding by Creevagh Grey Rebel (ID) out of Camedia (TB) by Lord Americo (TB). Breeder: Robin Johnson (Antrim). Rider: Robbie Kearns (IRL)

Sixmilewater (ISH) [was Sixmilewater Quality] – 2014 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Kelseys Kingdom (ISH)[TIH] by Buster King (TB). Breeder: Denis O’Riordan (Cork). Rider: Austin O’Connor (IRL)

The Irish High Performance Programme is exclusively funded by Horse Sport Ireland and Sport Ireland

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Sep 2, 2025 12:01 am -

Selena O’Hanlon and Bellaney Rock. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’re sending Selena O’Hanlon and her team all of our love this morning after learning of the loss of her former 5* partner, Bellaney Rock, at the age of 26. Bellaney Rock was a major part of Selena’s string of horses during the 2013 and 2014 seasons in particular, debuting at Kentucky in 2014 after a strong campaign at the then-3* level.

“I love you Bellaney Rock,” Selena wrote on social media. “Only three horses in my whole life I’ve had the privilege of competing 5* with. You and Woody Woodstar in the same 5* at Kentucky. How lucky am I to have two rockstars at the same competition. I owe everything to you and Woody. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Grace Simpson-Stover for giving him the best life until the end. Rocky never wanted for anything from us. Forever grateful to be a part of your life Rocky. You had such presence and will be sorely missed.”

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (MD); Hagyard Mid-South Three-Day Event (KY); Ram Tap National H.T. (CA); Willow Draw Charity Show (TX)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA); Unionville H.T. (PA); Heritage Park H.T. (KS); University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH)

News & Reading

It’s officially Defender Burghley week! We’re proud to team up with Kentucky Performance Products to bring you coverage of all the action on site this week, with both Tilly Berendt and Sally Spickard as your boots, eyes and ears on the ground. Stay tuned for our Ultimate Guide coming today and our Form Guide coming tomorrow as you get studied up on all of the intel before competition gets underway Thursday. In the meantime, you can visit the Burghley website to sign up for Burghley TV, find timetables and scheduling and more.

If you’ve got a senior horse, chances are their eyes and/or vision may be impacted by age or general health decline over time. Eye issues can cause everything from mild discomfort to accelerated deterioration, so it’s best to act quickly to treat any symptoms that make themselves known. Catch up on some primers regarding eye problems here.

Germany is down one short-listed pair ahead of the FEI Eventing European Championships later this month. Anna Siemer has withdrawn FRH Butts Avondale from consideration for selection, citing a minor issue that would have prevented the 18-year-old Hanoverian mare from reaching full peak fitness at the Championships. Read more here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

What does eventing mean to you? We asked several competitors at last weekend’s USEA American Eventing Championships, and we weren’t disappointed by the answers!

Video Break

Walk the Defender Dairy Mound question at Burghley with none other than Pippa Funnell:

Weekend Winners: AEC, Kentucky Classique, Seneca Valley, Bucks County, Silverwood, Equestrians’ Institute, & Larkin Hill

By on Sep 1, 2025 2:38 pm -

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! It was an exciting weekend with the USEA AEC, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final and ATC Finals running, but there was plenty of excitement throughout the rest of the country as well! We saw seven recognized events running, with numerous pairs spending their weekend out and about, and plenty of successful outings to celebrate!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award,

USEA AEC, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final and ATC Finals (CA): [Website][Scoring]

Adequan USEA Advanced Final – Championship (AO-CH): Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z (44.8)
USEA Intermediate Open – Championship (IO-CH): James Alliston and HMR Rolan (29.5)
Open Intermediate (OI): Kylie Scott and LC O’Shawnisee (67.1)
Open Preliminary (OP): Tamra Smith and Danito (19.6)
Bates USEA Open Preliminary – Championship (OP-CH): James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB (25.2)
Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur – Championship (PAM-CH): Julia Beauchamp Crandon and Dubai Du Leou (28.7)
Bates USEA Preliminary Rider – Championship (PR-CH): Payton Piearcy and Geronimo (38.2)
USEA Modified Amateur Championships (MA-CH): Annamarie Curtin and Kermit (39.8)
USEA Modified Open – Championships (MO-CH): Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Remember Me (32.7)
USEA Modified Rider – Championships (MR-CH): Marilyn Schackner and Georgie Z (28.2)
Open Modified (OM): Savannah Gwin and De Facto (33.8)
Open Training (OT): Emma Pistone and MBF Dignified Duchess (27.6)
ARMA Training Amateur – Championship (TAM-CH): Leah Forquer and Favorit Ask (24.1)
ARMA Training Horse – Championship (TH-CH): Audrey Sanborn and Parel Van Der W (23.2)
ARMA Training Junior – Championship (TJR-CH): Lorelei Frederickson and Kremer VD Falieberg (28.5)
ARMA Training Rider – Championship (TR-CH): Isabella Rega and Blurred Lines (25.2)
USEA Novice Amateur – Championship (NAM-CH): Nikki Lloyd and Lacey (25.8)
USEA Novice Horse – Championship (NH-CH): Chloe Smyth and SR Myconos (24.9)
USEA Novice Junior – Championship (NJR-CH): Michaela Smith and Cashmaker (24.2)
USEA Novice Rider – Championship (NR-CH): Dawn Scott and Shannondale Ghost (25.6)
Open Novice (ON): Katherine Robinson and Party Favor (26.4)
Marshall+Sterling USEA Beginner Novice Amateur – Championship (BNAM-CH): Annie Desmond and Little Elf (26.9)
Marshall+Sterling USEA Beginner Novice Horse – Championship (BNH-CH): Madeline Backus and P.S. Sir Balinor (25.8)
Marshall+Sterling USEA Beginner Novice Junior – Championship (BNJR-CH): Amelia Solivan Busque and Russian Roulette (25.0)
Marshall+Sterling USEA Beginner Novice Rider – Championship (BNR-CH): Laura Bentley and Woke Up (20.2)
Open Beginner Novice (OBN): Keira McKeon and Gentle 29 (30.6)
Open Starter (OSTART): Mackenzie Davison and Risque GWF (22.3)
USEA Starter Amateur – Championship (STARTAM-CH): Patricia Cameron and Liberty Song (28.8)
USEA Starter Junior – Championship (STARTJR-CH): Kenley Caflisch and Benmore Westonhouse Boy (30.8)
Starter Rider Championships (STARTR – CH): Mohamad Mostafa and Rodrigue Du Granit (26.3)

Kentucky Classique H.T. (KY): [Website][Scoring]

Open Advanced: Phillip Dutton and Possante (40.5)
Intermediate Championships: Jordan Riske and Mm Irish Clover (31.9)
Open Intermediate A: Christina Henriksen and Cisco’s Calor Z (43.6)
Open Intermediate B: Isabelle Bosley and Conner (36.4)
Open Preliminary A: Elizabeth Swire and Jag’fly Js (42.5)
Open Preliminary B: Tim Bourke and Quality Tnt (33.8)
Preliminary Championships: Jesslyn Woodall and Diamond Dog (37.5)
Modified Championships: Corinna Garcia and Schiller Nav (35.8)
Open Modified: Elle White and Biscotti (33.6)
Open Training: Mia Farley and Chatirella PS (30.0)
Training Championships: Darci Burton and Vs Correlli Surprise (29.1)
Training Rider A: Madeline Binder and Carrafarm Be Mine (36.6)
Training Rider B: Lola Lonesky and Cooley Quicksilver (27.1)
Novice Championships: Jane Musselman and Cayr Della Caccia (21.9)
Novice Rider A: Ellie Teasley and Quintessential (27.8)
Novice Rider B: Sophia Lieberman and Tazmanian Pegasus (25.8)
Novice Rider C: Lola Lonesky and Cansiro (28.0)
Open Novice A: Alexis Shrum and Anchorman (31.9)
Open Novice B: Heather Lawson and Omard Hawaii Gold (25.6)
Beginner Novice Championships Provisional Scores: Rachel Barron and Zenith Almost Got Away (22.8)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Sienna Scherer and Reiny Day Blues (30.9)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Laura Wogen and Symphony (31.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Natasia Lind and Max Q (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice B: Megan Edwards and Mac Daddy (28.1)
Open Starter A Provisional Scores: Alison O’Dwyer and Knockemdown (26.0)
Open Starter B Provisional Scores: Elizabeth Gorse and Queen Jade (28.0)
Starter Championships: Joshlyn Hernandez and Kynymont Indelibly Irish (28.7)

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (MD): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate 1: Jennie Brannigan and Pascal (28.2)
Open Intermediate 2: Jennie Brannigan and Royal Scandic (27.0)
Open Preliminary 1: Ryan Wood and Hicks de Lyse (28.1)
Open Preliminary 2: Sara Kozumplik and Water Mill Smooth (25.5)
Open Modified 1: Courtney Olmstead and Macalistair (33.1)
Modified Rider: Payton Myers and Pop of Class (42.4)
Open Modified 2: Kendyl Tracy and In Vogue (31.1)
Open Training 1: Savannah Kilpatrick and Tennyson (31.4)
Open Training 2: Linden Wiesman and Crescenda (29.5)
Training Rider: Ashley Thorp and Lancreto (31.9)
Open Novice: Lauren Sumner and Excel Star Babadook (29.7)
Novice Horse: Katelyn Duda and Big Easy Empire (27.8)
Novice Rider: Hali West and Thule SEC (25.3)
Novice Junior: Lillian Harrod and Celtic Heritage (32.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Nicolette Merle-Smith and Manu Forti’s Blue Clover (33.1)
Beginner Novice Senior: Susan Thompson and Navarino (22.8)
Beginner Novice Junior: Aila Rodriguez and High Maintenance (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Alissa Hayward and Prosecco (31.6)
Beginner Novice Horse: Clara Lenhart and Brambleridge Blueberry Hill (25.0)
Starter Senior: Abigail McEwen and Paloma (27.0)
Starter Junior: Madeline Tabor and Red Phoenix (35.3)

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA): [Website][Scoring]

HT-Preliminary/Training-Open: Ryan Wood and Positivist (29.5)
HT-Training-Open: Ryan Wood and Spirit’s Hero (30.2)
HT-Novice-Open: Ryan Wood and Topolino (24.2)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open: Kelsey Abrecht and Fullness ML Z (26.6)

Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI): [Website][Scoring]

Open Training: Jordan Scroggins and C25’s Bugatti (33.3)
Novice – Amateur: Andrea Reed and Quick Romance (33.1)
Novice – Junior: Mia Strunk and Thea Afroditi (35.0)
Open Novice: Ingvill Ramberg and WL Finlandia (30.0)
Beginner Novice – Amateur: Mary Beth Duwelius and King Remington (34.4)
Beginner Novice – Junior: Ella Scherer and SS Ritchie (25.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Michaela Holmes and The Flasche (27.7)
Pre-Starter: Allison Stagg and Ariana (31.0)
Starter A: Burny Todd-Smith and Better Option (31.8)
Starter B: Bailey Finnestad and Open Aire (28.0)

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Kathryn Nichwander and Blind Date (35.3)
Open Modified: Jordan Linstedt and Liberty R (27.2)
Open Training: Angela Wilson and MNF North Forks Summit (19.9)
Junior Novice: Anna Patinkin and Fernhill Tsunami (30.3)
Novice Amateur: Anne Ward and Good Time Charlie (29.4)
Open Novice: Sarah Sullivan and SF Cinematic (28.9)
Junior Beginner Novice: Saryn Koch and Samantha (28.8)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Kristin Maloney and BC Madoc (19.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Patricia Schaefer and LS Millions of Joy (25.9)
Junior Starter: Hana Werntz and Sparks Fly (18.3)
Senior Starter Rider: Kathi Charlton and Indy Go (34.1)
Open Starter: John P. Filer and TB Phone Home (29.1)
Open Grasshopper: Elizabeth Linde and Faberge G (30.1)

Larkin Hill Fall H.T. (NY): [Website][Scoring]

Modified: Booli Selmayr and Uptown Girl (25.5)
Open Training: Lydia Sarro and Cooper 250 (27.1)
Open Novice AA: Katie Schrom and Esmeralda WF (28.9)
Open Novice JY: Spencer Stickles and Gold Street (20.8)
Open Novice OP: Marcia Kulak and Balou’s Reventina Z (32.8)
Open Novice AA: Kelly A Morgan and Chadwick (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice JY: Mia Gillberg and RDM Ring of Happiness (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice OP: Carol Kozlowski and Cooley Surprise (25.9)
Starter JY: Abigail Reiners and Stellar Rendition (27.0)
Starter ST1: Mallory McCullouch and Eragon (32.7)
Starter ST2: Amy West and Carnivale King (28.0)