One Big Thing: Area VII Eventing Trainer selected to ride in 2026 Gaucho Derby in Argentina
Ashleigh Rauen at the Spokane Sport Horse 11th Annual Fall HT. Photo from Spokane Sport Horse Farm.
Hailing from the small island town of Vashon-Mary in Washington, Area VII trainer Ashleigh Rauen of Ride in the Rain LLC is preparing for the ride of her life — one that will take her 500 kilometers through the wilderness of Patagonia, Argentina. The terrain she’ll race across in the 2026 Gaucho Derby will cover nearly every ecosystem, from fjords and glaciers to rainforests to deserts, with only a map and Garmin watch to guide her and the horses she’ll be paired with. While a less wilderness-inclined rider like you and I may see the words “Gaucho Derby” or “500 kilometers” and think “no, thank you”, Ashleigh sees this adventure as a chance to explore her three most treasured passions: horses, nature, and culture.
Outside of her riding, training, and sales horse business, Ashleigh has been counting down her Days to Derby as she prepares for this massive undertaking. With her South American departure coming up in a short 28 days, she has been spending her time packing and weighing and repacking her saddle bags, practicing assembling and disassembling her tent, bareback riding, foxhunting, practicing Spanish, taking Wilderness Navigation classes, and putting in hours at the gym and on hiking trails when time allows. Wishing her and her ponies smooth rides and dry socks as they embark!
U.S. Events Opening Entries Today
Full Gallop Farm Wednesday HT (SC); Rocking Horse Winter III HT (FL); Twin Rivers Winter HT (CA); Sporting Days Farm March HT II (SC)
U.S. Events Closing Entries Today
Galway Downs 2026 Kickoff HT (CA); Sporting Days Farm February HT II (SC); Three Lakes Winter I HT at Caudle Ranch (FL)
Other Links & Reading
- Don’t forget to fill out our EN Community Survey — one respondent will be drawn on Monday, Jan 19th to win a $50 SmartEquine gift card
- The Retired Racehorse Project elects new board and advisory council members — including EN’s own staff member Amanda Chance!
- Nervous about learning the new 2026 USEA Tests before show season? Ride your test in front of Olympic Judge Marilyn Payne in February
- While you’re at it, if you’re located near Maryland, brush up on your technique in a clinic this Saturday with Grid Pro Quo author Margaret Rizzo McKelvy
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
We might not always know the ins and outs of every ingredient in our horse’s supplements — and that’s okay! KPP is here to explain just what specific ingredients in their supplements mean, and why they’ve chosen to include them in their science-backed, evidence-based formulas.
How does Trouble Free™ Powder and Paste keep my horse calm and collected?
Trouble Free™ is scientifically formulated to support healthy nervous system function and help your horse maintain a more confident, focused, and relaxed disposition. The five main components of this formula address different aspects of maintaining a relaxed attitude, addressing potential deficiencies you might be completely unaware of to support normal stress levels, address nervous disorders, maintain proper nerve transmission, increase serotonin, and maintain a calm demeanor. All of these work together to make that perfect blend of calm and focus that you need in your competitive partner.
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Mini-Classifieds
We’re kicking off 2026 with a new feature: mini-classifieds! If you have something to sell or promote, consider this your space to get right in front of an audience within your target market. Listings cost just $5, or you can purchase 3-5 days of mentions here in News & Notes at a bulk discount.
Please note: horses for sale MUST be listed on our partner site, Sport Horse Nation. We will not accept horse listings here, but we can feature your Sport Horse Nation listing! This space should be used for promoting events, fundraisers, clinics, job openings, tack sales and other events.
Have questions? Email [email protected]. If you want to purchase your listing, click here.
You may also see some links from our sponsors and partners in this section, but they’ll always be labeled as sponsored if applicable.
Tuesday’s Classifieds
- Sport Horse Nation Feature: Talented Sport Pony for Eventing and Jumpers — This adorable, compact Andalusian cross in Virginia will have everyone crowded around the sidelines at your next event cooing over his cuteness. Scoop him up for your kids or to pop around the lower levels for a steal of a deal!
- Sport Horse Nation Feature: Quality imported gelding with top class temperament — This tall drink of water has scope for days and has the potential to excel in any ring. Recently imported to Aiken and only 6 years old, he has the temperament and foundations for you to take him in any direction.
- Sponsor Feature: Did you know that KPP also has veterinary supplements available in their online store? Their Wiser Concepts Veterinary Formulas can be ordered by your own veterinarian, for issues ranging from respiratory function to insulin support to weight gain.
Training Tip of the Day
Struggling with flying changes? Here’s a lesson from Amelia Newcomb on a method she learned that changes the game:
Go Eventing
Is it cold out where you are? Well, it’s not for Laura Collett, who’s enjoying some sunny time down under teaching on her clinic tour through Australia and New Zealand!
