A very special announcement this morning from Defender Burghley, which hosts unique Masterclass events on the arena breaks throughout the weekend. This year, dressage legend Carl Hester returns to teach a Masterclass, and Tom McEwen (GBR) will be joining as a rider. Making the announcement even more special is the fact that Tom’s longtime 5* and Olympic horse, Toledo de Kerser, will be his ride for this session. Toledo de Kerser has been rehabbing from an injury sustained at Badminton in 2023, and the 18-year-old Selle Francais gelding has been jumping small jumps and returning to full flatwork in recent months. This session will take place in the Main Arena on Friday, September 5 at 12:30 p.m. local time.
Major International Events
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]
Strzegom Autumn Show (Poland): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]
U.S. Weekend Preview
Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]
Stone Gate Farm Mini H.T. (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]
CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
It’s a reunion worth a tissue or two! Recently, a video was posted of longtime manager, groom, organizer and overall wearer of all hats Joanie Morris taking a spin on Phillip Dutton’s Tokyo horse, Z. Z was retired from upper-level sport due to an injury, but he’s still raring to go and do things, and Phillip and Z’s owners felt this was the best way for their special horse to enjoy his retirement. Read up on this sweet story here.
2025 marks 15 years since the establishment of the Retired Racehorse Project and 10 years of the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover, an annual competition showcasing the versatility of the Thoroughbred beyond the racetrack. About 375 horses are expected to compete at this year’s event, which will take place Oct. 8-11 and is again presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, an organization founded by several racing owners in 1990 to promote the well-being of retired racehorses. The non-profit provides grants to Thoroughbred organizations and has sponsored the Makeover since 2012. RRP’s Executive Director Kirsten Green sat down with The Chronicle of the Horse to debrief on updates to the Makeover’s format and the past decade of showcases here.
What are the regulations you must know for each level of eventing in the U.S.? This USEA rule refresher is here to help if you’re not up to speed! You can brush up on the specs for each level so you know what to expect as you move up here.
Sponsor Corner: Maryland Horse Trials
There are not just one, but TWO awesome clinic opportunities coming this fall to Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD! On September 27, you have the opportunity to ride with the one and only Andrew Heffernan, the new designer in residence at Loch Moy Farm and an Olympic rider and coach in his own right.
🔹 Learn how course design influences decision-making
🔹 Sharpen your instinct for safer lines and smarter gallops
🔹 Build the skills that help horses stay confident through technical questions
Learn more and sign up here.
Then, come back October 14-15 for a 2-Day Succeed XC Master Class with 6-time Badminton Horse Trials winner Lucinda Green! Lucinda is a regular clinician at Loch Moy Farm, always eager to share her knowledge particularly as it pertains to cross country riding.
Clinic format: Two Days, 4-6 riders per group, approximately 2 hours per group.
Day 1: Cross Country technique using schooling fences and gymnastic exercises
Day 2: Cross Country fences
Make sure to sign up here before slots fill up!
Video Break
Preview an action-packed week at Defender Burghley:
