Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) has announced the next class of riders selected for the Ever So Sweet Camp, a fully-funded educational experience designed to provide Equestrians of Color with top-tier training and mentorship! Set to take place July 15–18 at Sara Kozumplik’s Overlook Farm in Virginia, the camp offers both mounted and unmounted sessions with Sara and her team, thanks to generous support from longtime equestrian advocate Edy Rameika and additional partners.
Congratulations to the July 2025 campers: Deja Auguste, Tiffany Champion, Bastien Clemons, Peyton Couch, Neha Konduru, Liya McKnight, Jeremy Scott, Amanda Stradley, Esha Tariq, and Amaya Zaslow!
Applications are now open for the August 21–24 session — visit stridesforequality.org to apply by July 6.
U.S. Weekend Preview
The Maryland International CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Cross Country App XC Maps] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Inavale Farm H.T. (OR): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Larkin Hill H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Full Moon Farm Aloha H.T. & YEH (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Cross Country App XC Maps] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
The road to the LA 2028 Olympics has been a bit bumpy. Capt. Mark Phillips, a longtime course designer and former Olympic gold medalist, described Santa Anita Park—-site of the 2028 equestrian events—-as “perhaps the most difficult Olympic site on which to design a cross-country course ever.” A shake-up in leadership saw Derek di Grazia step down from the role after reaching an impasse with organizers. Alec Lochore has now been named course designer, with Mike Etherington-Smith appointed as adviser. The FEI is under pressure to meet a tight deadline, with turf needing to be laid by September to prep for a 2027 test event. With limited space and unconventional terrain—including a racetrack, its infield, and a car park—the challenge ahead is significant. Read more of Capt. Phillips’ thoughts here.
The future of North American eventing takes center stage this week in Adamstown, MD, as the 2025 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships (YRC) kick off at The Maryland International + HT. A total of 34 combinations will contest the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S, and CCI3*-S Championship divisions, representing seven USEA Areas and Canada. The Championships, now in their second year as a summer short-format event, feature five teams of four, two three-member teams, and eight individuals, including three scramble teams combining riders from different regions. Alongside the YRC, over 190 entries will compete across divisions from Training to CCI4*-S, making for a packed and promising weekend of competition at Loch Moy Farm. Read more fast facts here.
A recent Dear Stable Sage column tackles a heated barn blow-up that’s left one rider questioning whether her sanctuary has turned into a standoff. When a political rant from the barn owner pushed her past her limit, things got loud—and personal. Now, the barn feels more tense than tranquil. Can the relationship be salvaged, or is it time to move on? The Sage offers a thoughtful perspective on boundaries, barn dynamics, and finding peace in politically charged times. Read the full column here.
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
Take a look back at some scenes from the Summer H.T. at Stable View — and be sure to check out their full calendar here to sign up for their next event!
Video Break
A little jaunt in the woods with Tom McEwen sounds like a nice day:
