Ariel Grald and Diara. Photo by Shelby Allen.
It’s day one at the Stable View spring 2*/3*/4* and H.T., happening in Aiken, SC! A stacked roster of competitors awaits (you can view Stable View’s preview of the event here), and we’ll be keeping keen eyes on the 4*-S division in particular as Kentucky/Badminton and Olympic selection looms. We kick off this morning with dressage, presided over in the 4* division by Peter Gray and Jo Young. Show jumping will follow this afternoon beginning at 3:24 p.m. for the 4*. You can view the full schedule and ride times here.
There is no live stream this weekend (though stay tuned, as Stable View will have a live stream for several other events this year, including USEA Intercollegiate Championships and their Oktoberfest 4*-S in the fall!), but we’ll be bringing you nightly reports on the 4*-S division here on EN. In the meantime, you can keep up with live scoring here. You can also sneak a peek at this year’s cross country, designed by Helen West — who is assisted this year by outgoing designer Capt. Mark Phillips and will be taking over designing the top levels at Stable View going forward — here.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Stable View Spring 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
CDCTA Spring H.T. (Ruckersville, VA) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, TX) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Friday News and Reading
Unless you have been living under a rock, you will see that Kentucky entries have been released, and it is a very exciting line up indeed! Heading back to the States for another crack at the 5* are the 2022 runners up, Yasmin Ingham and Banzai de Loir – also the current World Champions. So enjoy this insight into what drives Yaz, and what it takes to get to the top. The first in a new series from Le Mieux, keep your eyes peeled for the next episode with another top rider from the sport.
Speaking of Kentucky, the guys over at EquiRatings have kindly provided another ‘reaction show,’ similar to the one they released after the Badminton line up was revealed. I personally just LOVE the insight that they offer, and the extra dimension that the stats add to the podium predictions. Spring 5* season is such an exciting time, and the perfect antidote to the seemingly endless winter that we are currently ‘enjoying’ here in the UK.
If you need more eventing chatter in your ears, then EquiRatings have also just released an episode with the absolute boss that is Liz Halliday . Host Nicole Brown chats to Liz about her plans for this season, as well as her thoughts on the season so far. It is of no surprise that Liz has her eyes firmly on the prize, be it Kentucky 5* or Olympic Team Selection. I’d put my money on another cracking season for Liz and her team of unicorns, and I would also bet on her making that team, too.
Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions will welcome a new member this month. David O’Connor’s legendary partner Custom Made is to be posthumously inducted , and buried in the Memorial Walk of Champions. Together, David and ‘Tailor’ won Kentucky, Badminton and Olympic Gold, bringing home the first US eventing medal in 25 years. The ceremony will be held later this month, when I am sure there will be many a happy memory shared.
Badminton Horse Trials celebrates their 75th Anniversary this year. As such, there are a number of ‘added’ extras in the pipeline, including a special ’75 Years of Badminton’ documentary. Featuring insight from riders past and present, course designers, organisers and many more, it will be released on April 12th, so make sure you sign up to Badminton TV.A minuscule investment for the hours of coverage that you will find there, including this brilliant looking documentary!
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Stable View always runs a well-organized event — case in point, this guide to everything you need to know if you’re competing this weekend!
Weekend Watching
Recognise this old guy? Yep, that right there is Ringwood Skyboy. With his long term buddy Tim Price, Ozzie has 18 5* starts under his belt, including 5 top 20 Badminton finishes, and now, at the grand old age of 21, he has turned his hand to dressage, with his new jockey Emma Duffy. I think we can all agree he looks bloody brilliant, and happy as ever. Just the kind of thing we like to see!
