Phillip Dutton and Denim. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
There’s been a change made to the U.S. lineup headed to CHIO Aachen in July after Karma, who was to be competed as an individual with James Alliston, picked up an injury that will prevent her from making the trip. In the wake of that, US Equestrian has swapped in Phillip Dutton’s second horse, Denim, to compete as an individual. Phillip will also ride Possante as a part of the U.S. team alongside Paris Olympians Caroline Pamukcu (HSH Blake) and Boyd Martin (Commando 3) as well as CHIO Aachen winners Will Coleman and Off the Record. Competition kicks off on Friday, July 4 — be sure to tune in!
U.S. Weekend Preview
The Maryland International CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Inavale Farm H.T. (OR): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Larkin Hill H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Full Moon Farm Aloha H.T. & YEH (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
In a powerful reflection for Pride Month, 5* rider Ema Klugman shared a deeply personal essay honoring her late mentor Packy McGaughan and recounting her own journey toward self-acceptance. “Until not that long ago, it was not just unpopular to be gay; it was illegal,” she writes. While Ema says she’s found acceptance in the horse world, she also candidly acknowledges lingering fears about discrimination. “Feeling accepted and settled in my personal life allows me to compete with confidence,” she says. “Feeling scared or alone or not fully yourself makes competing… feel like an uphill battle.” Her message? Visibility matters—and LGBTQ+ riders belong here, too. Read Ema’s piece here.
As the 2025 eventing season hits its stride, the USEA is giving a mid-year shoutout to the sport’s real MVPs: the volunteers. So far this year, 2,582 individuals have donated more than 32,800 hours across 134 competitions, recorded via EventingVolunteers.com. These hours aren’t just logged — they’re celebrated through the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP), which awards medals for cumulative service. Notably, Diane Bird and Jim Moyer joined Susan Hart this season as the newest Gold Medal recipients (2,000+ hours). Jim, who was the 2023 Volunteer of the Year, leads the 2025 leaderboard once again with over 343 hours already logged. To every volunteer—from Area leaders to first-timers—thank you. The sport truly can’t run without you. Read more here.
Created by equestrian Holly Johnson and a veteran firefighter, the FireHorse Rescue Kit is designed with one goal: to save horses during barn fires—if it’s ever needed. With features like easy-use extinguishers, an equine blindfold, fire-resistant gloves, and a flashlight that cuts through thick smoke, each kit bridges the knowledge gap between first responders and horse people. It’s an all-in-one emergency system that barn owners hope will collect dust, not soot. FireHorse has already been adopted by top facilities like the Kentucky Horse Park and Wellington International, with plans to expand into compact kits and educational outreach. As Holly puts it: “When you equip your barn with a FireHorse Rescue Kit, you know exactly where to go—and exactly what to do.” Read more about FireHorse Rescue Kit here.
Sponsor Corner: Maryland International CCI & H.T.
We’re headed to Loch Moy Farm this weekend for the Maryland International CCI & Horse Trials, where the USEF Eventing Youth National Championships will run alongside an epic lineup of FEI and national divisions from Training through Advanced. With $30,000 in prize money on the line and a world-class cross country course designed by Andrew Heffernan, this is one midsummer showdown you won’t want to miss.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Maryland International is free to attend and packed with perks—Highland Club festivities, nightly parties, shopping, food trucks, and plenty of elite eventing action. Just 50 minutes from DC and Baltimore, it’s the perfect day in the country and a front-row seat to the future of U.S. eventing.
Click here to learn more about what’s on tap this weekend.
Video Break
What would your favorite rider advise when it comes to making the dream happen? Tune in to find out:
