The late Sandra McDonald competing at Chatt Hills. Photo by Liz Crawley.
One Big Thing: Remembering Sandra McDonald at the Ocala Winter I HT this weekend
For anyone competing at the Florida Horse Park this weekend, local eventer Chris Talley invites all riders to pick up a ribbon in the show office in remembrance of a local eventing hero after her recent passing:
Many of you I’m sure have heard the news of the passing of Sandra McDonald. A force in the eventing community whom it was safe to say was a friend to many of us. Above that she embodied the true meaning of being a sportsman; she was always there to lend a helping hand, and had the most positive attitude and even bigger smile even on the hardest of days.
Together with Emily Holmes and The Florida Horse Park we would like to encourage Sandra’s fellow competitors to pick up a ribbon, at the office, in Sandra’s colors and cherish the spirit she brought to this sport. Lend a helping hand, offer a smile, wish someone a safe ride, and cheer as they come across the finish line. Most importantly we would like to see that ribbon in her colors being carried around the cross country courses, just as she did with her Willberry Wonder Pony on her back, and take Sandra along with you for one more ride.
Rest easy Sandra, you left a hole in this sport but I hope you’ll be smiling down not only this weekend but for every event to come ❤️💙
US Events This Weekend
Ocala Winter I (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Pine Top Intermediate HT (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Other Links and Reading
- “Horse Hero” Contest — Win a fully-funded trip to Defender Burghley with EN and Five Star Eventing Tours!
- Former British rider Lucienne Bellissimo will now represent the US, having changed nationality after seven years living in America
- The Ohio Equine Affaire Preliminary Schedule is live! — Learn more about Equine Affaire here
- Listen in to EquiRatings’ latest episode for the 6 US horses to follow in 2026
Training Tip of the Day
One of our favorite USEA Grooms Alyssa Dobrotin starts a new Daily Grooming series with these tips on coat care:
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Go Eventing
La propagande poney indeed! This future horse girl watching Elisa Wallace and Riot Gear will be Coming Soon to a Horse Trials Near You within a few years.
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