Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z compete at The Event at TerraNova in 2025. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
It’s no secret at this stage that The Event at TerraNova is a staple on many an eventer’s calendar. Whether it’s to contest one of their FEI courses (like the upcoming CCI1*-S through CCI4*-S offerings at their spring International event March 26-29) or to take in the breathtaking infrastructure and layout of this one-of-a-kind venue, there is truly something for everyone that makes TerraNova a must-see on your bucket list.
For this first FEI eventing competition of the season, TerraNova once more retains the skills of Alec Lochore (GBR), who you may also recognize as the incoming cross country designer for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Now in his third season designing in Myakka City, FL, Alec is no doubt filing away bits and pieces of information as he begins to lay out his first Olympic course.
In reality, the topography of TerraNova – Florida flat with an evolving amount of manmade terrain as the event continues to deepen its roots – isn’t all that dissimilar from that we’ll see at Santa Anita Park, the site of all Olympic equestrian disciplines for LA28.
“I think every event from now on is a ‘bit of a practice,'” Alec said. “My ideas still change month my month as to what will be at the Olympics — each time I see the ground and have a new idea when out for a run. Obviously every event topography is different, and a Santa Anita is certainly quite different to TerraNova. That said, there are some surprising similarities! In the late summer of 2028 I look forward to discussing with people where I trialed and tested which jump.”
Having made incremental changes in the course with each new iteration, and with more plans in the future to build more terrain and undulation into the grounds, Alec will come into LA feeling like he’s uncovered even more ways to find space where it may not initially appear to be possible, or to strategically use the questions themselves to create technicality and challenge balance. And at this stage in the season, though it’s of course normal that it’s “early” yet, Alec says he’s designing for the level — that’s his primary criteria.
“My view is that a four-star must be a four-star, as I am not only setting a course to prepare the experienced horses and riders for Kentucky and Badminton, and also providing the next step up from three-Longs and four-Longs,” he explained. “I want the courses to encourage and this year I have set out quite a galloping opening quarter, with what I sincerely hope are educational and positive technical questions throughout. One of the great things that the TerraNova site facilitates is the ability to ring changes to direction and start/finish locations, for example. Of course the athletes, owners, grooms and trainers will recognize the spaces and features, but it is just great to be able remodel a little each time, and this isn’t always the case at a venue. We have a new feature or two to introduce this year, so I look forward to the feedback and seeing how they work.”
And as more upper-level riders continue to target TerraNova’s spring event as a Kentucky or Badminton prep – multiple pairs entered are routing to Kentucky at the end of April – it will mean a goal met for Alec’s part.
Alec Lochore gives a tour of the cross-country course at The Event at TerraNova CCI 4*-L, November 2023.
Photo by EQ Media.
“I would love the riders to love the event and to come here as a prep run because they feel it’s the right place to come to,” Alec said at the outset of his tenure as designer. “What I consider to be successful is when I look at the results of the next event at the next level and see how those horses progressed. At Blair [Castle, in Ireland] – and I haven’t always been responsible for [that course] – we’ve had a very good record of producing horses that go on to do well at five-star. I get satisfaction from that, that the job is being done well when you see those sorts of things.”
Competitors will also benefit from the presence of the USA’s Andrew Temkin as Technical Delegate, another official who has been tapped to serve on the Los Angeles 2028 officiating team. We don’t yet know who will be the three members of the Ground Jury for LA28, though historically at least one member will be from the host country.
And even if you are not an upper-level rider, or at least you aren’t there quite yet or are developing a young horse, there is truly an offering for everyone at this month’s spring fixture. Nationally-recognized divisions from Starter through Advanced (yes, that’s every level offered in eventing, at least at the recognized levels!) as well as all FEI levels (offered as Shorts for this edition – the Fall event in November offers Long format) feature on the omnibus, which means that you, too, can add The Event at TerraNova to your must-do list.
Entries do close today, March 10, but some late entries will be accepted with a $50 late charge. You can view the full omnibus listing here.
Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Freedom GS. Shannon Brinkman Photo
If you’re planning to spectate, or you are attending otherwise and want to get the full experience, the Ringside Luncheon at TerraNova is a lovely way to settle in and enjoy the weekend in comfort.
Set in the Pavilion with panoramic views of the main arena, it offers one of the best vantage points for the show jumping while also keeping you close to the other show arenas and the cross country galloping lanes. With preferred parking included and vendor row just steps away, it’s designed to make the day feel easy, relaxed, and immersive. It’s just the sort of setup that lets you watch top sport without having to choose between the competition, the shopping, and the atmosphere.
Food will be available from 10:30 a.m., featuring gourmet fare, plus gluten-free and vegan options and a cash bar. Guests can reserve a single ticket for $75, or book tables for 2, 4, or 6, with the front-row tables offering an especially prime view.
Volunteers for The Event at TerraNova also receive a front-row seat to the action, with every hour worked activating a $20 donation to Easterseals SWFL by the TerraNova Equestrian Foundation. Current openings for volunteers can be found here.
Families should also note that there’s more than just sport to enjoy throughout the day: boutique shopping and the Tiny Town playground will be open, and younger visitors may also enjoy a Mini Horse Show Camp for ages 5–12, which offer a fun, hands-on way for kids to spend an hour learning horsemanship skills, making crafts, and meeting new friends.
TerraNova has also outlined several accessibility accommodations, including accessible parking, a wheelchair lift, paved pathways, and shuttle service, helping make the experience welcoming for a wide range of guests.
To learn more information, click here.
