Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol HIM. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.
The big 4* season is upon us here in the U.S., and the action kicks off for the top horses and riders this weekend at Bouckaert Equestrian, formerly known as Chattahoochee Hills in Georgia. A total of 34 horses and riders are entered in the headlining 4*-S division this weekend, along with a slew of riders from divisions ranging from 2* up on the FEI side and from Novice up on the National side.
These early season 4* events provide a preview of the horses aiming for spring 4*-L or 5* events, and this year in particular we’re keeping a keen eye on these prep events as many riders will be vying for a berth to the upcoming Paris Olympics. There’s also a healthy prize fund on offer this weekend, with $12,000 up for grabs in the 4* division. While we won’t typically see all combinations putting the pedal down in the jumping phases this early in the season, we’re nonetheless in for a top competition.
Gillian Warner will be reporting on Bouckaert Farm’s 4* this weekend with a comprehensive final report coming your way after the conclusion of the event. You can also follow along with live scoring here; competition begins tomorrow (Friday) and will conclude on Saturday for the 4* pairs.
Hanna Bundy and Lovely Assistant. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Highlighting this weekend’s entry list are several Canadian riders, all putting their best foot forward to catch the eye of the Canadian selectors after our neighbors to the north cemented their team qualification for Paris at the Pan American Games last fall. We’ll see riders such as Hanna Bundy with Lovely Assistant, Katie Malensek with Landjaeger, Colleen Loach with FE Golden Eye and Vermont, and Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me competing in the 4*-S.
Other key names to watch include Phillip Dutton, who brings forward Azure, Denim, and newer ride Jewelent — and he’s also riding alongside his daughter, Olivia, who’s just started her Advanced and 4* career with former 5* horse Sea of Clouds.
Mia Farley, who stole all our hearts with her gutsy performance at her first 5* last fall at Maryland, will return to action with the off-track Thoroughbred Phelps. Hannah Sue Hollberg is also entered with Capitol HIM; this pair was the top-placed U.S. combination at the Maryland 5 Star last year and will look to build on that result this spring.
Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley. Photo by Christine Quinn.
We’ll also see the return of Lady Chatterley, who had a quiet 2023 after winning USEA Mare of the Year in 2022. She’ll return to the level with Olympic gold medalist Leslie Law in the irons, coming off a romp around the Rocking Horse Advanced last month to kick off her season.
Other ones to watch who could be good for the lion’s share of the prize fund include Caroline Pamukcu with King’s Especiale, Alyssa Phillips and Oskar, and Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy.
You can view the full entry list here. Stay tuned for much more coming your way from Bouckaert Farm soon!
Bouckaert Equestrian HT and International: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
