Many congratulations to the newest baby eventer (or maybe baby Ironman-runner, if baby Ben takes after his dad!) to join the family, a baby boy born to Puerto Rican Olympian Lauren Billys Shady and her husband, Jeff, on March 27. Whichever sport, if any, Ben chooses, he’s sure to have plenty of athletic prowess from his mom and dad. Congratulations to all!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (FL): [Website] [Scores]
Pine Hill Spring H.T. (TX): [Website] [Scores]
CDCTA Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scores]
News & Reading
Let’s be honest—most of us fell in love with eventing because of that adrenaline rush you get on cross country day. But before you head out of the start box next, you might want to brush up on the rules that could earn you penalties out on course. This month’s Rule Refresher dives deep into the definitions of faults per EV122 in the USEF Rulebook, covering everything from refusals and run-outs to willful delays and circling mishaps. It’s a must-read whether you’re new to the sport or just need a refresher on what counts as a refusal versus a run-out (spoiler: stepping back even one foot can cost you). Click here to read the full refresher.
On what should have been a joyful milestone—her 14th birthday—young jumper rider Ryan Haselden collapsed mid-round at the Venice Equestrian Tour. Her heart had stopped just three fences into the 1.20m class, the result of a rare and undiagnosed condition called CPVT. Thanks to rapid CPR from on-site EMT Katie McFee and a doctor spectating ringside, along with the presence of a functioning AED, Ryan’s life was saved. In the aftermath, the Haselden family launched The Impulsion Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to CPR/AED education, funding, and advocacy—so that all horse shows can be prepared for the unimaginable. Read more about Ryan’s story, her inspiring return to the sport, and how you can get involved here.
An osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis doesn’t have to spell the end of a horse’s riding or competition days. With thoughtful care, tailored exercise plans, and the right support from your vet, many horses can continue thriving in work. In a recent Ask The Horse Live episode, Dr. Katie Ellis of the University of Georgia shares valuable insight on how keeping horses with joint disease fit and active can actually support long-term joint health. This excerpt is full of helpful takeaways for anyone managing a horse with OA—because sometimes, the right plan makes all the difference. Listen to the episode here.
Video Break
Watch French show jumper take home the FEI World Cup title on his homebred Selle Français Donatello d’Auge this weekend:
