We’re wishing Dutch 5* rider and Olympian Tim Lips all the best as he recovers from some serious injuries sustained in a car crash recently. Tim will undergo surgery to repair fractures in his spine and ankle, and he’ll be sidelined for the foreseeable future but we look forward to seeing him out on a horse soon. Get well soon, Tim!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Sporting Days Farm April H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
After nearly four years of preparation, Galway Downs owner Ken Smith was blindsided by a last-minute decision to move the 2028 Olympic equestrian events to Santa Anita Park. Galway had been the listed venue on the LA28 website and had undergone extensive upgrades in collaboration with Olympic officials. “We ask, ‘Why are you pulling the Olympics?’ And they go, ‘For a host of reasons.’ I go, ‘Well, what’s one?’ They couldn’t give us one,” Smith said. Galway Downs features an advanced-level cross-country course and is set to host the 2025 American Eventing Championships. It’s unclear how Santa Anita, a racetrack, will accommodate eventing’s cross-country phase. The FEI confirmed all equestrian events will take place on-site at Santa Anita, but no course details have been shared. The Chronicle of the Horse has more here.
In the latest episode of Equine Innovators, Dr. Kara Brown of Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center dives into cutting-edge approaches to diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis in horses. She discusses the limitations of traditional treatments like NSAIDs and corticosteroids—especially for horses with metabolic concerns—and shares insights into regenerative therapies such as PRP, Pro-Stride APS, and stem cells. Dr. Brown also highlights the role of advanced imaging and personalized rehab plans in preserving joint health for equine athletes of all ages. Listen to the full episode here.
After years of near-misses, Rachael Hardman finally qualified for the 2025 LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships with her Irish import “Jimbo”—only for a serious injury to threaten everything. A winter fall landed her in the hospital for surgery on New Year’s Day, followed by a six-month no-riding prognosis. But with support from the British Eventing Support Trust, Rachael began a remarkable recovery and is now back in the saddle, aiming to compete at Calmsden—and officially entered for Badminton. “The Trust isn’t just there for professionals — it’s for amateur riders too,” she says. “Even if we don’t make it to the start line, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.” Read her latest update here.
Izzy Taylor heads to her 20th Ballindenisk 4*-S start this weekend with one goal in mind: finally adding a win in this class to her résumé. Despite six 4*-S wins in Ireland and four runner-up finishes at Ballindenisk, the top spot here has remained just out of reach. According to EquiRatings, Taylor holds a 41% win chance — led by SBH Big Wall, who last won at Lisgarvan House. With Barrington Alice also in the mix, could this be the year Taylor breaks the streak? Read more from EquiRatings here.
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
All levels of showjumping for the USEF/USEA Local Charities Horse Trials & USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Championships & Stable View Alumni Cup will be live-streamed on Horse & Country for H&C+ members.
Purchase clips of your show jumping round from H&C+, and Gold members can download clips for free! If you’re not already a member, take advantage of a special offer by using the discount code 2025STABLEVIEW for 15% off an H&C+ subscription!
Video Break
Preview Kentucky with The Jon and Rick Show, featuring guest Leslie Law:
