Good morning EN!
Derek di Grazia at his ‘other’ five-star home at Burghley. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
More congratulations for this year’s incoming USEA Hall of Fame class are in order. Last week, Olympic and 5* course designer Derek di Grazia was announced as the latest inductee for the Class of 2026, which will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Arlington, VA in December. A full list of inductees will be released soon.
The following is from a USEA press release announcing the invitation:
Di Grazia’s contributions to American eventing span more than four decades as an international competitor, coach, and one of the sport’s most respected cross-country course designers. His competitive career included winning the 1985 Kentucky Three-Day Event aboard Sasquatch, an Appaloosa/Thoroughbred cross with whom he represented the United States at the 1986 FEI World Championships in Gawler, Australia. He also won the 1991 Fair Hill International riding Our Busby.
Together with his wife, Bea, di Grazia served as director of the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center in California beginning in 1984. During their time there, the couple developed numerous event horses and riders, while Derek began expanding his involvement in course design. His early work designing courses in California eventually led to international assignments, including the Fair Hill International Horse Trials and the Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Di Grazia is perhaps best known for his longstanding role as cross-country course designer at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, where his courses have challenged the world’s leading horses and riders at the five-star level. His international reputation led to his selection as course designer for the Tokyo Olympic Games, and his influence has continued through his work at major competitions, including the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials in England.
Throughout his career, di Grazia has emphasized thoughtful, progressive course design that rewards correct training and horsemanship while prioritizing horse welfare and safety. His experience as a championship rider and longtime trainer, coaching athletes all the way to the Olympic level, has informed his approach to designing courses that test competitors while building confidence in horses and riders.
Beyond his competitive and course-design accomplishments, di Grazia has contributed to the governance and development of American eventing through service to U.S. Equestrian as well as the USEA. In 2015, Derek and Bea were jointly awarded the USEA’s Wofford Cup in recognition of their contributions to the sport.
In notifying di Grazia of his induction, USEA CEO Rob Burk stated “Derek’s contributions to American eventing span decades. His career has taken him from winning Kentucky and representing the U.S. at the World Championships to designing Kentucky, the Olympic Games, and many of the greatest courses we know today.”
Also in the news today:
- Today is the final day to enter the Horse Sport Maryland Bred to Event Classic Final Qualifier and Championship (October 22-25) at Loch Moy Farm! This unique format is a showcase of young event horses and even off-track Thoroughbreds and is open to all who meet just a few criteria. Learn more and get that entry in here.
- All USEF members are invited to participate in a Steward & TD Modernization Project webinar taking place on October 26 at 5:30 pm ET. The session’s description reads: This webinar is an opportunity for USEF members to learn details about and provide feedback regarding the Steward/TD Modernization project led by USEF. Proposed adjustments include education expansion, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and ways to support officials. All types of members are invited and encouraged to participate. Register here.
U.S. Events Opening Entries Today
Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL); Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC)
U.S. Events Closing Entries Today
Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL); Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA); River Glen Fall H.T. (TN)
Recommended Reading
- The (horse show) hangover: an amateur’s guide
- How One Canadian Equestrian Business Sold Out Summer Camp With a $0 Marketing Budget
- Laura Collett talks about the comeback road for one of her up-and-coming horses, Cooley Iceage, after a freak knee injury sidelined him unexpectedly
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
FB/IG (4:5) – 110
FB/IG (4:5) – 110
Myth: Electrolytes are only important during hot weather, when horses sweat a lot
Truth: While it’s true that electrolytes are frequently necessary in warmer temperatures when sweat is more copious, hard work or excess warmth on a thick winter coat can lead to sweating and loss of hydration. Horses can also dehydrate if their water intake drops off during cold spells. Bottom line, it’s good to have electrolytes on hand, even through the fall and winter, to be better off safe than sorry.
[More fall and winter electrolyte advice from Kentucky Performance Products]
Coaching Corner
- 5 Ways to Get Started With an Off-the-Track Thoroughbred
- A take on building skill over arrowheads and narrow fences from 5* eventer-turned-show jumper Doug Payne
Go Eventing
Get to know Jack Curtis and Luska Candy Clover:
