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A big EN shout-out this morning to all of the hardworking moms and dads who juggle life at horse shows, running a business, and parenthood all at once. Puerto Rican Olympian Lauren Billys returned to coaching and riding this week just a few weeks after giving birth to her son, Ben, at Woodside Horse Trials in California. It truly takes a village, and you inspire us all!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
IEA Horse Trials (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
GMHA June H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Poplar Place June H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]
Essex H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Major International Events
Chaumont en Vexin CCI4*-L/S (France): [Website] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring]
Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]
News & Reading
Chronicle of the Horse blogger Caroline Howe wrote an opinion editorial that calls out USEF for not taking horse abuse allegations and cases as seriously as stakeholders wish the governing body would. Specifically referring to several recent cases, including one surrounding now-expelled hunter/jumper trainer Shannon Eckel, who was investigation for an incident surrounding the death of a horse in her care, Caroline writes, “USEF, I am asking you in this moment to do the hard work. And to take the uncomfortable actions required to do what’s right for our horses and for our sport. Tradition, paired with how horses are viewed ideologically across different membership segments, poses a challenge to defining and enforcing strict welfare standards that we can all agree on. But tradition and human ideological differences don’t change a horse’s physical and psychological needs. Or what causes them pain, stress, and discontentment. Our traditions, biases and sport must not supersede horse welfare.” Read her full piece here.
A dispute between the International Eventing Officials Club (IEOC) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is headed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland this fall. The conflict centers around the FEI’s termination of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that previously recognized the IEOC as a stakeholder representing eventing officials worldwide. The IEOC says the FEI has not acknowledged them as a stakeholder since August 2024, despite a temporary reinstatement of the MOU by the FEI tribunal. Efforts at mediation were unsuccessful, and the IEOC argues that the FEI’s actions undermine the governance and representation of eventing officials—many of whom are volunteers. The FEI maintains that their dispute lies with IEOC management, not the officials themselves, and says it remains committed to working directly with officials through other avenues. Read more on this developing story here.
Catch up with #supergroom Bettina Cardi, who was named the 2024 FEI Cavalor Best Groom, in the latest International Grooms Association (IGA) blog. Bettina, who now works for Kai and Lara de Liedekerke-Meier at Arville (BEL), has built her career through a mix of hard work, curiosity, and finding the right people to work with. In this interview, she shared thoughtful insights on what helps grooms thrive, including honest communication, comfortable living conditions, reasonable workloads, and most importantly, real recognition. “I work with Lara, not for her,” she says. “It’s about making your people feel like they’re your people.” Bettina encourages young grooms to be passionate, patient, and selective—because the right fit can turn hard work into happiness. Read Bettina’s full interview here.
Sponsor Corner: Maryland International CCI & H.T.
Loch Moy Farm has a fresh new look underfoot thanks to a major upgrade from new Official Arena Sponsor, TRUTEX Equestrian, ahead of the Maryland International CCI & H.T. June 27-29 in Adamstown, MD. All four arenas have been resurfaced using TRUTEX’s top-tier footing blends, and the newly named TRUTEX Arena will now serve as the flagship competition space.
Known for its premium, dust-minimizing, low-maintenance materials, TRUTEX helps provide a cleaner, safer, and more consistent riding experience. “We’ve worked with TRUTEX before and were thrilled to partner with them again,” said Loch Moy’s Carlyn Mackintosh. “Their customer service and quality are unmatched.”
With decades of equestrian experience, TRUTEX offers both arena restorations and custom builds—handling every detail to meet the performance needs of every horse and rider. “It’s an honor to contribute to a venue that means so much to the eventing community,” said TRUTEX Director Naomi Holcomb.
Thanks to support from TRUTEX, Loch Moy continues to be a premier home for over 50 annual events, year-round schooling, and top competitions like the Maryland International CCI & HT + Young Rider Championships. To learn more about TRUTEX, click here. For information and entries for the Maryland International CCI & H.T., click here.
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Don’t forget to book your tickets for the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory! Click here to access the box office.
