Woweee – words are failing me so I’ll keep it brief, but, I wanted to take a minute to celebrate the very special day…
Posted by Nicola Wilson Equestrian on Sunday, March 30, 2025
This one’s a tearjerker and a reason to cheer! A massive congratulations is in order as Nicola Wilso received an MBE (that’s Member of the Order of the British Empire, folks!) from none other than The Princess Royal herself at Buckingham Palace this week. With family and friends by their side and two very proud nieces joining for the royal moment, it was a day of pomp, pride, and a proper celebration. Talk about an unforgettable Thursday! Many congratulations to Nicola on this well-deserved honor.
U.S. Events Opening Today
Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (WA); Otter Creek H.T. (WI); Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA); Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA); Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (MD); Spring Gulch H.T. (CO); Kentucky May-Daze H.T. (KY)
U.S. Events Closing Today
Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL); Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI (MD); Sporting Days Farm April H.T. IV (SC); Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (H.T.); Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD)
News & Reading
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, VA, on February 27, 2025. A lifelong advocate for youth and horses, Margaret served as District Commissioner of the Loudoun Hunt Pony Club for nearly 40 years and was the driving force behind the beloved LHPC Horse Trials. Her decades of service, recognized by honors including the Wofford Cup and USEA’s Legend Award, left a lasting impact on the eventing community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and all who were touched by her remarkable legacy. Read about Margaret and her incredible life here.
For over 50 years, Mary Fike has poured her heart into eventing, and her dedication to the USEA Classic Series is second to none. From organizing the IEA Horse Trials & Classic Three-Day in Indiana to the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event in Kentucky, Fike has championed long-format education and opportunity for lower-level riders. This year, she’s upping the game at IEA with a panel of expert clinicians—think Beth Perkins, Debbie Boeh, Wayne Quarles and more—offering hands-on learning from trot-ups to steeplechase. Learn more here.
A notable withdrawal on the CCI5* entry list at Defender Kentucky — see who’s staying home here.
This week’s Mythbuster Monday on Horse Nation tackles a hot topic: Does desensitizing your horse to training aids make them ineffective? The answer: Fact. While desensitization can increase safety and reduce fear, overdoing it—especially with tools like whips or halters—can cause your horse to shut down or become numb to the aids entirely. Experts agree: the goal isn’t to suppress reaction, but to build curiosity and trust. Read the full breakdown here.
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
It’s getting to be that time to transition your horses over to spring grass, but what if you’re working with a hard keeper? Kentucky Performance Products has some advice on spring feeding for underweight horses. You can view the full graphic and text here.
Video Break
Watch Jessie Phoenix and Freedom GS take home the win at the TerraNova CCI4*-S:
