What a weekend. What a horse. What a rider. To Ros’ point above, I don’t think there’s really any question that “Walter” has already achieved legendary status. The horse is only 13 years old, for goodness sake, and he’s already won two Badmintons and two Bughleys. No other horse has ever done that. My one remaining thought on the weekend is that it’s a crying shame there’s no Grand Slam of Eventing currently. Do you think we could convince Ros to bring Walter to Kentucky anyway instead of Badminton next year? Pretty please, Ros?
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [EN’s Coverage]
U.S. Weekend Results
Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website][Scoring]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website][Scoring]
Stone Gate Farm Mini H.T. (OH): [Website][Scoring]
Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website][Scoring]
CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website][Scoring]
News & Reading
Are you a USEA ECP-certified coach? Yes? Then you should definitely attend the 2026 Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Symposium, which has just been announced will take place January 13-15 at Malvern House Farm in Citra, Florida. Even if you aren’t an ECP-certified coach, the symposium is open to anyone interested in learning about coaching and training within the sport of eventing. Find more info here.
Meet the auction horse that got five-star event rider Fylicia Barr started in eventing. While we usually think of Fylicia in tandem with her small but mighty mare Galloway Sunrise, there’s another horse that means a whole lot to her. It all started when 10-year-old Fykica and her mother purchased Zanzibar from auction as an unbroken two- or three-year old. He would eventually take her up to Training level. “Z” later came out of retirement to teach a special student of Fylicia’s, earning them a trip to the AECs in 2021 and most recently an appearance in the cover art of the Chronicle of the Horse’s 2025 Young Rider issue.
Smash the patriarchy, equine edition! EN’s resident breeding nerd Amanda Chance has a little something to point out with regard to the pedigrees of this year’s Burghley podium-finishers. Lordships Graffalo, Colorado Blue, and Cavalier Crystal are all out of well-producing, high-blood mares. Sure, they have great sires too, but if you want to produce a real winner you can’t overlook the damline.
Sponsor Corner: Morven Park Fall International & H.T.
Beautiful Morven Park! Photo by Sally Spickard.
Welcome to Morven Park, where world-class equestrian sport meets a stunning historic setting. General admission for the Fall International & H.T, which features the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing $200,000 Final, is free—making it easy for fans and families to enjoy the action.
Want to upgrade your experience? Tailgate and VIP passes are available for premium views and hospitality here. And if you’re new to the area, you can find some great deals for accommodations and more in local Loudoun County here.
Enjoy the best of sport and scenery at Morven Park—see you ringside!
