Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shelby Allen.
We are officially ONE WEEK away from the start of competition at the $100,000 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services and we cannot wait to be on the ground at our favorite “unofficial” open to the eventing season.
With $100,000 on the line and plenty of spectator appeal at this condensed-format event, the excitement is building and we now have a list of the entries who we’ll be seeing in a week’s time.
For those unfamiliar with the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase, this event is run with all three phases, with the major difference being a much shorter (think 4-5 minutes at most) cross country course that looks more akin to a motocross track than a traditional course. Now of course, we all love the longer courses that traditionally feature in our sport, but we love this event because of its spectator friendliness and atmosphere. It’s a great way to introduce new people to the sport — in fact, I have a few family members coming for the first time to see eventing for themselves — and we highly encourage you to check it out!
Tickets are still on sale here, and if you’re not able to join us in person you can also find the live stream on Horse & Country here.
- Alexandra Baugh and Hubert Des 3 Arbres
- Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle
- Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS
- Will Coleman and Off the Record
- Alexander Conrad and Malibu Preacher
- Dana Cooke and FE Quattro
- Hallie Coon and Cute Girl
- Phillip Dutton and Denim
- Phillip Dutton and Possante
- Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way
- Will Faudree and Pfun
- Emily Hamel and Corvett
- Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux
- Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom
- Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start
- Boyd Martin and Commando 3
- Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker
- Boyd Martin and Fedarman B
- Austin O’Connor and You’ve Got the Lux
- Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R
- Monica Spencer and Artist
- Allison Springer and No May Moon
- Allison Springer and Vandyke
- Sharon White and Claus 63
- Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times
- Arden Wildasin and Billy Beaufort
- Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy
The list includes former winners Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS (2024) and Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (2022), returning and looking to reclaim their titles. Boyd will also debut on a bigger stage with Liz Halliday’s Ocala Horse Properties’-owned Olympic horse, Cooley Nutcracker. It will surely be an emotional weekend for all of Liz’s family and friends as we all wish she was here with us as she continues to recover from a traumatic brain injury sustained last summer, and we know she’s cheering on “Bali” every step of the way.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B en route to the 2022 win. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
But it’s very much anyone’s game. There are several factors to consider here: the horses won’ t quite be 5* fit and will likely be somewhat fresh in some cases with the increased atmosphere. Riders will be factoring in their various spring plans in terms of how competitive they try to be, but with $100,000 on the line we know there will surely be some speedy cross country rounds on Saturday.
Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Key among the speed demons are Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R, who were the sole pair to catch the time last year and went on to podium in the 4*-L at Bromont later that summer. Sara Kozumplik also has an ace in her pocket with Rubens d’Ysieux, who absolutely lives for these shortened events these days. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist are another pair whose relationship will take them far on a twisting Mark Phillips-designed course and Allison Springer is also mounted on a couple of dirt bikes in the Connemara crosses No May Moon (2024 Bromont 4*-L champ) and Vandyke.
Of course, the competition is not the only feature on the schedule. There’s plenty to do for spectators too, including a combined driving demo on Saturday featuring Annie Goodwin Rising Star Award winner Taylor Bradish and some of your favorite eventers, cross country and show jumping rider-led course walks, a Silent Auction benefitting the Annie Goodwin Rising Star fund, and a team competition featuring a Ride for Charity voting opportunity. Click here to learn about all of the happenings!
Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.
The schedule for competition is as follows:
Friday, Feb 28 – Morning
Dressage
8:00 am – 2:00 pm EST
Friday, Feb 28 – Evening
Show Jumping
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST
Saturday, March 1 – Afternoon
Cross-Country
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm EST
We’ll look forward to seeing you in Aiken, and in the meantime, Go Eventing!
Our coverage of the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field is brought to you by Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt. You can learn more about Deidre’s Aiken real estate offerings here.
