The Real Rider Cup is coming to the MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory, this October! If you haven’t heard of this awesome competition, it’s one very near and dear to the Thoroughbred-lover’s heart. The brainchild of Anita Motion, who has been involved in nearly every aspect of racing and carries the torch for Thoroughbred aftercare, this charity jumping competition teams up racing personalities and off-track Thoroughbreds and benefits programs such as Beyond the Wire, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the Retired Racehorse Project. Over the past near-decade, the Real Rider Cup has raised over $600,000.
The Real Rider Cup will take place at the MARS Maryland 5 Star on cross country day, October 18, following the close of competition. You can learn more about the Real Rider Cup here and get information on tickets to the Maryland 5 Star here (the box office opens on May 27).
U.S. Weekend Preview
VHC Eventing (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Woodside Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Spring Coconino H.T. (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Willow Draw Charity H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Flora Lea Spring H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]
Major International Events
Bicton International (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]
Equestrian Festival Baborówko (Poland): [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]
News & Reading
The USEF has expelled and imposed a cash fine on hunter/jumper trainer Shannon Eckel in the wake of a horse abuse case stemming from a 2021 incident that left one horse dead. While the horse’s death took place away from competition grounds, USEF was able to act because the horse was entered in a currently running USEF-licensed competition. Shannon is able to apply for reinstatement six months from the start of the expulsion date, “based upon affirmative proof of total rehabilitation, including proof that she has truly accepted responsibility for her actions and has taken steps to reform herself,” The Chronicle of the Horse reports here.
If you’ve been in a position where you want to lodge an appeal, inquiry or protest of a rule enforcement at a competition, you know it’s not always the easiest process to navigate. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be if this situation arises in the future. Brush up on how these procedures work here.
Horse & Hound has a preview of entries for the premier CCI4*-L of the UK summer at Bramham International, which takes place next month. The entry list features some Badminton re-routes and plenty of competitors ready to vie for the title. Check it out here.
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
Photo by Kevin McCormick.
Don’t forget to name your teams for the Adult Rider Team Cup happening at Stable View’s Summer H.T. June 20-22!
Teams can be comprised of three or four members. Each rider is only allowed to have a maximum of two horses per team. The best three scores on a team will count. Teams can be made up of professionals and amateurs and competitors can be riding at any level. Please email your team name with a list of your team members to [email protected] by the show’s closing date.
Video Break
Build up some confidence in this full episode of the 2024 Mochara All Star Academy on H&C+:
