One Big Thing: A Kentucky for the History Books
If we’re being honest, there are just too many incredible posts and stories out there from Kentucky this past weekend for us to pick just one to highlight… so instead, here are a collection of just a few of our favorites from the #BestWeekendAllYear.
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First, of course, is our traditional Chinch photo op with the winning rider. Chinch feels that Will adequately captured his importance in this photo, and thus requested we highlight the occasion.
Newly-minted 5* winner Will Coleman poses with Chinch.
FLAIR by Achieve Equine presented their own Protect & Perform Awards to the highest-placing horses in both divisions who wore FLAIR strips in both cross-country and show jumping — which ended up being our two winners, Will Coleman & Diabolo and Tamie Smith & Lillet 3. Goes to show that high levels performance requires high levels of care!
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Lainey Ashker returned to Kentucky in the CCI4*-S this year for the first time in 10 years since her foray into pure dressage — and looked absolutely fabulous doing it.
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We loved watching so many 5* first timers add a completion to their record this weekend, like U21 rider Braden Speck and his positively adorable BSF Liam. Endless congratulations to all the riders who have now reached that dream that so many aspire to — and welcome to 5*.
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We all had the honor of wishing a happy retirement to Lauren Nicholson’s Vermiculus (or “Bug”) this weekend.
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Corgi on the Corgi. Enough said.
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The fan-favorite Pink Pony Club of Team Hail Yeah were back out in full glam this weekend.
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Celebrations all around for everyone on show jumping day.
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A special full-circle moment with FEI judge Amanda Miller and Bruce Davidson Sr.
And of course, the moment that brought tears to all our eyes: Liz Halliday made it back to Kentucky against all odds and was able to congratulate all her long-time friends, co-competitors, and horses this weekend. #KeepFightingLiz, and we’ll see you at LA2028.
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Major International Results
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* (USA): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays] [EN’s Coverage]
Strzegom Spring Open II CCI4*-L (POL): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]
Ballindenisk International CCI4*-L (IRL): [Website] [Scores]
US Weekend Results
Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring HT (VA): [Website] [Scores]
Horse Park of New Jersey Spring HT (NJ): [Website] [Scores]
Other Links and Reading
- “Luckiest Guy in the World” Wins Kentucky
- How to Choose the Right Horse for Your Riding Goals
- Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Episode 147: Kentucky Time Is The Best
- The Barefoot Life Isn’t Always Fancy-Free
Training Tip of the Day
Regardless of the discipline, this statement holds true: the most powerful thing you can train isn’t your horse — it’s your mind. Listen to Barbra Schulte explain her approach to addressing the needs of your nervous system while in the saddle:
Go Eventing
We love our show jumping friends… and we love even more seeing their deer-in-headlights eyes when they walk cross country:
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