Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

Recognise that handsome little face?! Yes, that is none other than a baby faced London 52 – you know the one, multiple 5* title holder and Olympic gold medal winning partner of the incredible Miss Laura Collett. The two of them are back in action at the Thoresby Spring Carnival of Eventing this weekend – keep up with all of the action over at H&C. There’s a whole slew of top names in the CCI4*-S, so it will be a very exciting weekend indeed, come rain or shine!

OR if you’re (West) Stateside, and want to go and see some actual real live action, why not head on down to Galway Downs or the Event at Terranova? At the former you will catch sight of last year’s Kentucky winners Tamie Smith, while at the latter
US based Kiwi Monica Spencer is giving Artist a pipe opener ahead of their run around the 5* at Kentucky.

The International eventing season is really starting to hot up now, with entry lists for both Badminton and Kentucky released – I think I might have to go and have a little lie down, such is my excitement at it all!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring] [Live Stream]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

International Events

BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Friday News and Reading

When the entry list for Badminton was released on Monday, I had SO many thoughts on it all – so many first timers, so many exciting combinations, a few notable omissions (Lordships Graffalo, where art thou?!) and just SO MANY POSSIBLE OUTCOMES!! So it was nothing short of wonderful to have Sam and Diarm over at EquiRatings put a podcast out almost immediately afterward which helped to calm my racing mind. They were able to provide a much more coherent summary of the entries, and pose some interesting questions along the way, including the all important one…who will take the coveted Badminton title this year, with all recent winners (horses, that is) absent from the start list. Will the girls make it five years in a row, or will the boys rise to the top again? I can hardly wait!!

Eventing Nation readers, we need you. Don’t panic, it’s nothing major – we could just use a little help in finding the #Supergroom of the winter season. They sure as hell deserve all the recognition they can get – and some more besides – because as I am sure you will all agree, it’s these heroes that make it all happen, day in, day out. So if you have someone in mind, then head on over here and cast your votes. Don’t dilly dally though, nominations close April 4th, with the winner crowned April 5th.

The Kiwi contingent enjoyed a super successful weekend out in the Netherlands last weekend. Olympic qualification was the name of the game, and both Caroline Powell and Tim Price achieved just that, on two horses apiece. Tim also finished second in the CCI4*L, an added bonus this early in the season, and a placing that will only enhance his chances of a spot on that Olympic team…

Sponsor Corner

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Weekend Watching

Kentucky and Badminton are but a heartbeat away, so it seems only right to ring in the weekend with a little 5* action – enjoy this throwback to last year’s Burghley Horse Trials, where Holly Richardson and Bally Louis made their 5* debut, jumping round the seriously tough track with ease. Holly and Louis are on the start list for Badminton, where hopefully they will smash it once again.

“It Was Probably One of His Best Tests”: Ros Canter’s 5* Champ Back with a Bang at Thoresby

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Hannah Cole.

And just like that, after a long, quiet, soggy off-season in the UK, we’re back in action at the first FEI event of 2024. This year, the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park – which is somewhere pretty north and I won’t be able to tell you anything with more specificity than that because I’m (kind of) a Londoner – has eased us in to its jam-packed double CCI4*-S offering, putting on just two hours’ worth of day one dressage in the walled garden to start the weekend today. And look, we could run you through that handful of dressage tests across the two sections, going heavy on the analysis right off the bat, but let’s be real: there was one stand-out performance, and that’s where we’re going to focus all our attention.

The primary CCI4*-S section, the prestigious Grantham Cup class, hosts roughly half of the 120 or so four-star entrants at Thoresby this year (the higher-FEI-pointed half, for what it’s worth). Today, we saw thirteen of them take to the ring, and subsequently, a thorough tour of the 30s and low 40s on the scoreboard. Except, of course, when reigning European Champion Ros Canter put the final halt and salute on her test with Izilot DHI. The pair’s test was much-anticipated for two reasons: firstly, for the simple fact that they were the first duo in the ring, and thus our first official British four-star competitors of 2024, and secondly, because the last time we saw the quirky eleven-year-old KWPN gelding (Zavall VDL x Un, by Cavalier), it was when he was winning on his five-star debut at Pau in October. That win, which followed just weeks after victory in Blenheim’s CCI4*-L, wasn’t a surprise where ‘Isaac’s’ talent is concerned – but it was, perhaps, a bit of a surprise because of how mercurial the gelding can be.

In 2019, though, we saw Laura Collett’s London 52 win Boekelo’s CCI4*-L, a victory that she has always professed to be the making of the horse, who had had a spate of up-and-down results prior to that. Now, he’s a three-time CCI5* winner – and it’s not hard to imagine that Isaac, too, could be entering his winningest era yet after tasting success last autumn. Today, his pathfinding test earned him a 25.6, which might not be one of his best four-star scores – he’s previously gone sub-20 at the level – but, Ros tells us, it felt like one of his top efforts yet.

“It was one of his best tests, if not the best he’s ever done,” she says. “He felt really rideable and with me, and not spooky, which is really nice for this time of year! He’s a really uphill horse with a very long neck, and it can be quite a challenge sometimes, because he can look like he’s peacocking. Today, though, he felt the best he has in his neck.”

One of the catalysts for that feeling, Ros explains, was a change in his routine over the winter.

“He’s not a hot horse, but he’s a spooky one – but he’s definitely gotten better this winter,” she says. “I’ve changed the way I do things a bit with him. I’m doing much less schooling at home and a lot more hacking. And then I go out and about to do his training. It feels like we’ve broken the habit, now, of spooking quite so much.”

Thoresby’s an exciting start to the season for Isaac — even with two very competitive phases yet to come — but it’s also a crucial stepping stone. Currently, Ros has the gelding double-entered for both Badminton, which she won last year with Lordships Graffalo, and Kentucky, and while she’s open-minded about which of the two she ends up at – “or he might go to neither!” – her presence at either event with the talented gelding will make her one of the firm favourites in either field. We’ll be taking a close look at the rest of the field here in tomorrow’s full day of dressage, but in the meantime, we’re already daydreaming about Isaac’s campaign to become one of the sport’s most successful five-star weirdos.

The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby: Website | Live Scores | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

Defender Kentucky Entries Released: 47 Entries Headline 5* Field

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol HIM. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

At long last, we have our first look at the entries for this year’s Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian, which will include the traditional 5* event as well as the Cosequin Lexington 4*-S that’s run alongside during the last weekend in April. This year’s Kentucky Three-Day Event will take place April 25-28.

Entries for this event just closed on March 26, leaving eventing fans hankering for a peek at the list and madly refreshing the entries page all week. We’ve now got 47 pairs entered in the 5* and 67 entered in the Lexington 4*-S, including a hearty international contingent hopping a plane for their chance at the top prize.

With this being an Olympic year, it’s unsurprising to find the 4*-S field even more stacked than usual, as many Paris hopefuls will bypass a spring 5* with more experienced horses and opt for a route using 4* events ahead of team selections in about two months’ time.

So we’ll see some big heavy hitters in the 4*-S, including last year’s Kentucky 5* winner Mai Baum (owned by Eric Markell and Ellen and Alex Ahearn), with rider Tamie Smith also entering Ruth Bley’s Danito and the Kynan Syndicate’s Kynan in the 4*-S and stablemate Elliot V in the 5*.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also entered in the 4*-S are Paris contenders Will Coleman and the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record, the Diabolo Group’s Diabolo, and Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS. Boyd Martin also has three top rides – Yankee Creek Ranch’s Commando 3, the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B, and Bonnie Stedt’s Miss Lulu Herself – in the 4*, while the Turner family’s Tsetserleg and On Cue are entered in the 5*. Both of these horses are also entered at Badminton, so like many riders in his position Boyd will likely make the call on which event he’ll take each to as his training comes to a head.

Liz Halliday is also another rider we should expect to see right in the running for Paris selection, opting for 4* competition with Miks Master C (owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer), Shanroe Cooley (owned by Ocala Horse Properties) and Cooley Quicksilver (owned by The Monster Partnership/Ocala Horse Properties). Caroline Pamukcu and her Pan Ams individual gold medal partner, HSH Blake (owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, Caroline and Deniz Pamukcu), are also entered in the 4*.

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Featuring on the 5* entry list include international stars such as Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham (entered with her World Champion partner Banzai du Loir), Ros Canter (GBR) and Izilot DHI, Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent, Nicolai Aldinger (GER) and Timmo, Susie Berry (IRL) and Clever Trick, Calvin Böckmann (GER) and The Phantom of the Opera, Kirsty Chabert (GBR) and Classic VI, Matthew Grayling (NZL) and Trudeau, Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist, Malin Hansen-Hotopp (GER) and Carlitos Quidditch K, Christoph Wahler (GER) and D’accord FRH, and Tom McEwen (GBR) and JL Dublin. Grace Taylor is also on our entry list, having based herself overseas while riding for the U.S., and will bring Game Changer to the Bluegrass State if she doesn’t opt for Badminton, for which she’s also entered.

We have one very exciting rookie our list: Australia’s Bec Braitling will come forward with Arnell Sporthorses’ Caravaggio II, coming prepared with a great season at 4* that included an overseas trip representing Australia in 2023.

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Other notable U.S. entries on this year’s 5* roster include but are certainly not limited to: Jennie Brannigan with FE Lifestyle and Twilightslastgleam, both owned by Tim and Nina Gardner, Liz Halliday with Cooley Nutcracker, Phillip Dutton with three rides in Azure, Denim, and Quasi Cool, Mia Farley and Phelps, Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol HIM, Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus, Doug Payne with two rides in Quantum Leap and Camarillo (as well as one or two also competing in the show jumping invitational that same weekend), our own Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z, and James Alliston with Karma and Paper Jam. Canada’s Jessica Phoenix has also cross-entered Kentucky and Badminton with Wabbit.

You can view the full entry list here for the 5* and here for the 4*-S; the list is, of course, subject to some late changes as the start date draws closer. We’ll keep you updated on entries and draw order as those come up, so keep it locked right here on EN!

EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries]

On the Hunt for the #Supergroom of the Winter Season

For the past year, we’ve worked with Achieve Equine to highlight hard-working grooms both at events and at home. Now we’re taking the #Supergroom program digital to give these grooms the recognition they deserve with four contests throughout 2024.


We’re once again coming to you – the readers of Eventing Nation – and asking for your help choosing the top groom of the winter season. Whether they somehow made the transition from the cold northern weather to sunny Florida feel seamless or spent the winter breaking ice from water buckets, we’re looking for that one groom that your barn couldn’t have run without. The hunt for the elusive #Supergroom is on – the groom that is so good at their job, they may as well have superpowers.

The winner of this contest will receive a Visa gift card (because everyone loves some cold hard cash), an Achieve Equine care package, their own featured article on Eventing Nation and, of course, bragging rights. Nominating a groom is easy. Simply fill out the form below or click here before April 4th. The winner will be announced on April 5th!

Thursday News & Notes

Kids at Pioneer Park Elementary School, Florida had a really cool visitor when JustWorld International, Rodriguez Equestrian, StoryBook Treasures, and Belle Herbe Farm teamed up to deliver a healthy dose of horse to literacy lessons.

For the vast majority of the students, it was their first time getting up close to a horse and they had some imaginative questions for Guatemalan Olympic show jumper and JustWorld ambassador Juan Andres Rodriguez: Just how long does it take a horse to eat a carrot? How loud are horses’ sneezes? How fast can a horse go? Juan Andres demonstrated the latter with everyone’s favorite horse for the day, grey gelding Matrix, who was loaned by Maria Newman from Belle Herbe Farm.

The horsing around was followed up by some storybook time, with ‘Everything Horses and Ponies’ being the perfect choice for the day’s reading list, which the kids got to take a copy of home, courtesy of StoryBook Treasures.

JustWorld – a not-for-profit organization which connects equestrians to ways they can help impoverished children, and official charity partner of the FEI – and StoryBook Treasures – a not-for-profit which provides literacy materials to kids who don’t have access to them – have had an enormous impact through their work together, with marked improvements in reading proficiency at Pioneer Park through initiatives such as bringing literacy to life by inviting a horse to class.

You can read more about what happened when Matrix went to school here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

International Events

BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Thursday News and Reading

Today is Wear a Hat Day. Founded by the Brain Tumour Research Foundation, the initiative is a fun way to raise awareness and funds for this important cause. And equestrians are particularly well suited to get in on the act – I know I spend more of my waking hours with my riding hat on than I do feeling the wind blow through my (helmet) hair, or the rain on my head. Whilst I’m on the topic of equestrian heads, British Equestrian has been producing some very useful resources about concussion – something all of us should be aware of. You’ll find them here.

Feeling tempted to spring into spring with a new challenge? The Hack 1000 Miles challenge is ready to reset and relaunch on April 1st. Run by Your Horse Magazine, and open to riders from around the world, you can log your miles on the digital leaderboard and connect with other hackers (the good kind, you know, with horses) via the dedicated Facebook group; there’s also a newsletter to help keep you going as you saddle up and head out with your favorite equine pal. Whether you’re off on the trails, country lanes, bridle paths or beaches, every step counts. You’ll find everything you need to get going here.

No matter which discipline(s) you enjoy, teaching your horse to turn on the forehand is a useful tool for all of us. From bend and softness to lead departures and flying changes, having this maneuver in your arsenal helps to build the foundation for more advanced work – it’s also a handy skill to have to help you out of tricky situations when you’re out on the trail. Ready to get started? Look no further.

Horse’s feet are heavy – and there’s nothing quite like trying to haul a hoof off the ground when your horse is outright refusing to cooperate. So long as there are no soundness issues, a horse that’s stubborn about you lifting its feet really does need training to offer its leg on cue. OK, but how exactly do you go about that? Here’s how.

Road to the Horse Champ – eventer turned cowboy – Tik Maynard earned his hat and buckle this week – making him bang on trend in the fashion stakes, according to Vogue. That’s right, Western is hot right now, so much so that Vogue had (ultra-fashionable) boots on the ground at the 2024 edition of Rodeo Houston last week. It seems chaps, hats, boots, buckles and fringe are what it’s all about in the fashion world right now, so make like Tik and cowboy up, and go eventing.

Video Break

Whilst eventing fans are locked onto the beginning of the 5* season, with Adelaide Equestrian Festival just three weeks away, MARS Badminton entries revealed this week, and Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event start lists imminent, behind the scenes, prepping for their turn in the spotlight later on in the year, Defender Burghley is taking shape.

It’s easy to focus on the awe-inspiring jumps, the creative fence decor, and the all-important ground when it comes to cross country day, and despite the humongous effort that goes into all of those things, there’s even more for course designers to think about when it comes to staging an event in historic parkland, as is the case for Burghley. How to protect the ancient trees from hordes of eventing fans scrambling to see their heroes and revved up horses running across the country, for example. Take a look at how the Burghley Estate ensures that no trees are harmed in the making of the competition.

‘Somebody Get this Guy a Cowboy Hat’ – Tik Maynard Wins Road to the Horse 2024

Team Tik for the win! Photo courtesy of Paula Shook.

It was just before 9 AM, and the doors had yet to open, but the line of fans stretching down the sidewalk from the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena was humming with excitement. My friend Lizzie and I were still waking up from our eight hour drive to Kentucky the night before, and while we would have loved to get a few more hours of sleep, nothing would keep us from watching the competitors work at the Road to the Horse competition.

Road to the Horse World Championship of Colt Starting brings together some of the best colt starters in the world, thousands of fans in person and online, and a panel of prestigious judges for a week of horsemanship, challenge, and excitement. While we typically see cowboys and cowgirls with a Western background in Road to the Horse, we saw the competition’s second ever English trainer participate this past weekend. Tik Maynard joined Vicki Wilson (2017 and 2018 winner) as a Road to the Horse English trainer – and winner – of the event.

Walking into the Alltech Arena, the excitement had spread like wildfire. It was impossible not to get pre-competition jitters as we wandered around, taking a look at the numerous vendors, chatting with competitors and other trainers, and meeting new friends decked out in gear of their team.

The Wild Card Competition, which selects the fourth and final competitor of the event, was on its final day. We saw Lindsey Patterson, John Baar, and C.D. Wilcox work their fillies before C.D. was crowned the Wild Card Champion to continue onto the World Championship.

The World Championships were ready to begin, as the four competitors moved their way towards the ring for the horse selection to begin. We saw American Ken McNabb, Australian Donal Hancock, Canadian Tik Maynard, and Wild Card C.D. Wilcox front and center as the colts were brought into the arena.

It was clear who the true celebrities were this week: the horses. Bred by Pitchfork Ranch, a herd of unhandled 3 year old Quarter Horses came barreling into the ring to thunderous applause. Once settled, the competitors took their turns walking towards the herd, observing which horse they’d like to choose as their partner. It was here that we saw participants form an early partnership with potential horses. As Tik moved towards the herd, he created curiosity and draw to shift the horses’ attention to him, and started his work there.

We saw Tik choose CAPERA CATT, Donal with COWBOYS LAST WAR CRY, Ken and SHINEY ROCKIN CD, and C.D. with CATS DASHIN A LENA.

In the first two days of handling, competitors focused on creating a connection with their horses. We saw C.D. and Ken rope their horses quite early on, while Donal and Tik worked with their body language to create a shift of their horses’ attention from outside of the ring towards them in the middle. Tik, who will be the first to acknowledge his limited roping experience, was the last to catch his horse with the rope, but had spent a significant chunk of time at the beginning creating a connection at liberty with his colt, CAPERA CATT.

The process continued on quite quickly. While competitors only had a few hours each day to work with these horses, we saw the entire starting process unfold in front of us. While we still saw patience and a tactful approach from trainers in this competition, this condensed format certainly expedites the process, which can be hard to do in a way that allows the horse time to process and grow in their confidence. As Tik highlighted, he doesn’t start horses in this short amount of time at home.

However, in this condensed format, we were able to see the process from start to finish, from four different techniques.

At the end of the first day, Tik and Donal had haltered, saddled, mounted, and moved around on their horses. Ken struggled with getting his horse wanting to connect with him, but was able to saddle, mount, and unmount his colt. C.D. utilized a pony horse to get closer to his pick, but was unable to halter his until the second day. On the second day, Tik and Donal rode their horses out of the round pen, while Ken and C.D. had rides around their pens. All competitors started introducing their horses to obstacles in preparation for the final day.

Despite the speed of the nature of the competition, Tik worked to spend time to allow his horse to process. “You know, the biggest thing… is to be present and go with the speed of the horse,” Tik commented. Tik was able to secure the win over the first two days.

As we moved on to the final day, I had a basic understanding of what to expect: competitors would have time to work in the round pen prior to exiting the pens to ride around the entire arena, then start an obstacle course. However, I had no idea the intensity of the obstacle course. Between pole bending exercises, roping, gates, poles, and pool noodles, these very freshly broke horses were presented with questions I think my horses would have balked at… and in an atmosphere that was absolutely humming with electric energy, clapping fans, and music. “I’ve never felt anything like that,” Tik reflected on the pressure, intensity, and atmosphere.

All competitors found success in certain obstacles, and trouble with others. Ken’s horse moved up over the platform, Tik’s horse was able to pick up the Olympic rings and drag a cart. Perhaps thanks to Tik’s jumping training, his colt excelled over the poles, but we saw him struggle with the gate.

Tik carried the soft, calm connection between him and his horse into the final day. We saw his horse turn to him instead of worrying about the atmosphere around him. However, despite all his incredibly intentional, focused work, we saw Tik’s horse buck towards the end of the obstacle course: with the shift in Tik’s weight to grab the Olympic rings, and the rings held at his side, we saw the colt’s nerves spike, and a bit of a bronc ride. Impressively, Tik was able to stay on. “Somebody get this guy a cowboy hat, he earned it!” two time Road to the Horse Champion Mike Major commented.

Although he might not have been considered a cowboy prior to this week, he’s earned the title now. Tik sees that as an opportunity to further diversify his skill set: “I think the more different disciplines, different ways of doing things, and different cultures meet each other and watch what the other one is doing… and try to look at something from a place of curiosity and not a place of judgement… I think everybody has a place to grow.”

“I always think that, when I start a horse – I hope I did a good enough job for them. The start is such an important part if their life, if not the most important part… The beginning of their experiences and emotions affects how they view the rest of their lives with humans,” Tik reflected.

Hats off to Tik, who maintained his lead from start to finish throughout the week. We now see him rocking a new cowboy hat… could he also be adding a Quarter Horse to his herd? “I think it’s a really, really special horse,” Tik said – Stay tuned for updates!

What’s On Tap: Previewing This Weekend’s 4*-S Competition at Galway Downs, Pompadour, TerraNova, Thorseby

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Alex Jeffery.

It’s a hefty weekend of 4* competition coming our way with four CCI4*-S events running around the world. With most eyes on Paris and spring 5* destinations, these 4* competitions are a handy peek at the hopefuls, developing new riders and horses, and the tracks they’re all choosing en route to their various goals. Stay tuned for our Monday edition of The Weekend Update, which will recap all of the action from these key events.

We’ll get started on the West coast in southern California, where Galway Downs’ international season is primed and ready for take-off. The 4*-S attracted 10 entries this weekend, including the first glimpse we’ll see of last year’s Kentucky 5* winner, Mai Baum, with Tamie Smith piloting. Tamie has spent her most recent off-seasons in California instead of traveling East, taking advantage of popular winter venues like Thermal and Del Mar to hone her skills in the bookend phases of her sport. Mai Baum is joined by stablemates Kynan and Elliot V; both “Lexus” and Kynan are aiming at the Lexington 4*-S that runs in conjunction with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event at the end of April.

Tamie is joined by Australia’s Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II, who got the opportunity to represent Australia overseas in 2023, as well as Taren Hoffos and Master Class, Katherine Robinson and Teki to the Limit, Emilee Libby and Toska, and many other regulars on the California/Area 6 scene. Click here to view the full entry list, and don’t forget Galway could still use a few volunteers for this weekend so you can find a spot to sign up for here. You can also catch the live stream for Galway Downs on Horse & Country / Ride On Video here.

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring] [Tickets] [Live Stream]

Karim Laghouag and Triton Fontaine. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In France, we’ll see a hefty 43-strong field tackling the 4*-S as the French contingent set their sights on a strong performance on home soil later this summer during the Olympics. The field includes top-flight riders such as Olympians Karim Florent Laghouag and Triton Fontaine, Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC, Astier Nicolas and Dirty Old Town, Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge, and many more familiar names. We’ve also got one U.S. representative in the 4* field in Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. You can take a look at the full list of entries here.

Grand National Pomadour (France): [Website] [Timing & Scoring]

Our on-the-ground coverage this week will come to you from the Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival in the UK, which has stamped itself as one of the top prep events for spring 5* season for the British and Britain-based riders. While the weather in the UK has been anything but ideal for eventing prep, prompting the abandonment of several events leading up to this point, it looks to be all systems go for a jam-packed weekend that will provide an excellent preview of where each pair is at as the big destinations loom.

Hear from course designer Capt. Mark Phillips as Thorseby draws closer:

The Thoresby entry list reads like a telephone book of top eventers; we can expect to see Tokyo gold medalists Laura Collett (bringing her two upcoming 5* first-timers Hester and Bling as well as her Olympic and Badminton/Pau-winning partner London 52), reigning world champion Yasmin Ingham (entered with both Rehy DJ and Banzai du Loir, both of whom are equally viable Paris potentials), Maryland 5 Star winners Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue, Oliver Townend with the lovely Cooley Rosalent, Jonelle and Tim Price with a handful of horses each, including Grappa Nera and Vitali, and many more — you’ll want to take a look at the full list here. The U.S. is represented by Cosby Green and Grace Taylor, both of whom are aiming for Badminton this year.

Thoresby will be streamed live on Horse & Country this weekend — click here to bookmark the live stream page.

BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Joe Meyer and Harbin. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Back on this side of the pond, we’ve also got a star-studded entry list ready for action in Myakka City, FL at The Event at TerraNova. This event has roared onto the radar of American eventing with its spectacular infrastructure and sparkling new cross country course designed this year by Alec Lochore, taking the reins from Capt. Phillips.

This is another event on the riders’ radar as they prepare for a spring 5* or a spring 4*-L with a greener horse. The field includes the likes of British Olympian Leslie Law with Lady Chatterley, Canada’s Katie Malensek and Landjaeger, Joe Meyer with Harbin as well as Chilli Dawn, Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus, Caroline Pamukcu with King’s Especiale, HSH Double Sixteen, and HSH Tolan King, Alyssa Phillips and Oskar, Badminton-bound Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit, Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo, Monica Spencer and Artist, and plenty more that could take a competitive placing this weekend.

This event will also be live streamed on Horse & Country, and you can bookmark this page to follow along all weekend.

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Mia Farley and Phelps. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Last but certainly not least, though Bouckaert Equestrian is not running a 4* this weekend, they do host an annual Advanced/Intermediate division that features the 5* dressage and 5*-spec show jumping and a healthy prize pot for any 5*-bound pairs who want some extra polish ahead of the next couple of months. The A/I division offers $25,000 in prize money, and stepping up to the plate for a chunk of it are riders such as Buck Davidson (Sorocaima), Mary Bess Davis (Imperio Magic), Mia Farley (Phelps), and Shannon Lilley (Eindhoven Garette and Ideal HX). You can view the full entry list here.

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Stay tuned for much more coverage and updates coming your way throughout the weekend! Go Eventing.

Wednesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

Coming up this weekend in the States, Galway Downs International, which features divisions from Novice through 4*-S. Last year’s 4* winner came in the form of eventing hero Tamie Smith with the equally heroic Mai Baum just four weeks before they were crowned Kentucky champs at The Best Weekend All Year. Tamie’s back for another spin ’round Galway Downs – will she also return to defend her title at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event? Entries are imminent – eyes on!

Galway Downs has put a call-out for volunteers. If you’re able to help out, here’s the link.

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring] [Tickets]

On the other side of the pond, eventers, course designers, judges, crew, volunteers and eventing fans are all thinking sunny thoughts ahead of this weekend’s BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival. Hailed as the starting point for this season’s pathway to Paris, the 4*-S has drawn a whopping 126 entries as riders clamor to be at the top of the pack to break into the most elite of teams. The competition is hot, hot, hot, that’s for sure – fingers crossed for the weather to match. The entry list is basically straight out of the who’s who of British and Irish eventing – with an Olympic gold medalist, the World Champion, the European Champion, and the reigning Badminton, Burghley, Maryland, Luhmuhlen and Pau winners all in the line up. There’s also representation for New Zealand, the Netherlands, France, Italy, South Africa and Japan, with Cosby Green and Grace Taylor flying the Stars and Stripes for the States. If you’re not able to be there to witness all this eventing glory in the flesh, you can follow along with what’s sure to be a superb competition with H&C+ (subscription required). And if you just can’t wait to find out what the cross country course has in store for this truly world-class bunch, here’s a teaser from Captain Mark Philips.

Last year’s Carnival was a very, very wet one. If Galway Downs could send us some California sunshine, we’d be most grateful!

BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

As ever, we’ll be bringing you all of the eventing news from this week’s competitions, so keep it locked on to EN and go eventing!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

International Events

BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Wednesday News and Reading

Eventing hits the Sydney mainstream media thanks to this pair of Aussie legends. Eight-time Olympian Andrew Hoy made his Olympic debut four decades ago, and he’s hoping to make it nine this summer. At 65, he’s determined not to let his age get in the way of constant improvement – he’s just along for the ride and focusing on putting one hoof in front of the other. The story also covers Shane Rose’s recent accident and recovery, and despite extensive breaks and fractures, Shane’s still hoping to be alongside Andrew on the Australian team in Paris.

In the market for a new best friend but want to make sure you’re swiping right on the right horse for you before handing over the cash? Then don’t leave the house before you’ve checked out this Ultimate Guide to Buying Your Dream Horse, which covers all the questions you should be asking, all the things to watch out for when viewing horses, all the red flags you’ll probably come across and all the pro tips you’ll need when it comes to selecting the perfect partner.

Construction worker has “real shock” as he uncovers “a face”. Eventing news? Well, yes, actually. The face turned out to be belong to an ancient statue, thought to be from the First or Second Century, and it’s had a ring-side seat to all the Burghley eventing action since the first running of the event in 1961 (well, kind of – it’s been buried under a parking lot). The artifact has now been conserved and is on display in Burghley House.

Hot on Horse Nation: Five historic horsewomen you should know. Equestrian history is full of famous women working in every discipline you can imagine, from rodeo to the racetrack, and even a few disciplines you haven’t thought of – like fortunetelling! Check out these five unsung women equestrians who blazed their own trails.

The Gay Polo League has teamed up with the Elton John AIDS foundation for their Florida fundraiser. The 2024 Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament starts on Thursday April 4th in Wellington, Florida and runs through Saturday. Initiated to raise money “to help LGBTQ+ organizations better serve our communities”, the flagship event will host a ‘Wigstock’ extravaganza on the Friday night with celebrations – and wigs – in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Sponsor Corner

Looking for a minifarm to call home? 6861 NW 54TH Loop, Ocala could be it! This 4+ acre farm is located just 4 miles from the World Equestrian Center. Amenities include a 3-stall center aisle barn, access to community bridle paths, outdoor riding ring, and beautiful pastures. Check it out.

Video Break

I was totally glued to this year’s edition of Road to the Horse and hollered with the best of them when eventing reigned supreme in the Western world thanks to horseman extraordinaire – and our hero – Tik Maynard.

If you were as inspired as me by the awesome display put on by the World Championship competitors, join me in trying out these three simple groundwork exercises, as explained by Road to the Horse competitor and recipient of the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award Donal Hancock.

Between the Ears: Laine Ashker

These days, we often view each other’s lives through the lens of a highlight reel, glimpsing the incredible trips, impressive jumps, and moments we’re proud enough to share on social media. What we don’t often discuss is the immense pressure this places on athletes on both ends of the news feed. Riders, whether professional or not, feel compelled to post content that portrays them as cool and successful. As consumers of this content, we are left with a distorted perception that the sport is easy and that failure might suggest one isn’t cut out for it. These interviews are part of my mission to shed light on the reality of the challenges faced by everyone, regardless of their level, at some point in their journey.

On this edition of “Between the Ears,” I caught up with Lainey Ashker, who holds the esteemed status of being an Advanced level eventer and a Grand Prix dressage rider. Lainey continues to pursue excellence in both sports and has ambitious goals for the future. Her journey has seen its share of ups and downs, but one thing became clear during our conversation: she’s never giving up. So, armed with that grit and determination, let’s delve into her story…

[Catch up on more editions of this column here]

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Can you tell me a little bit about how you got started with horses?

My mom has always been into horses, so naturally, she got me into them too. I participated in my first Prelim Championship while still in my mom’s belly when she was 7 months pregnant with me. I was practically destined to be an eventer, and I caught the horse bug easily. My mom supported my dreams by finding off-the-track Thoroughbreds for me to ride and train. We even relocated from California to Virginia to further my eventing career. Of the four horses I’ve taken to the 5* level, three have been OTTBs.

How did you end up branching off into pure dressage?

I always enjoyed the dressage phase of eventing, but it wasn’t my main focus initially- how I got into pure dressage is a funny story. I had posted an ad on Craigslist offering to teach lessons, and only one person responded to that ad—Ann Wilson, who now owns horses for me. She had a passion for dressage and wanted someone to train her Andalusian she had purchased at a dude ranch through the levels. I had a great time working with him, and Ann and I’s relationship naturally evolved from there. Ann has been one of my most supportive owners, and I’m incredibly grateful for her support—and to Craigslist! Getting into dressage has also helped me expand my point of view and see different ways of doing things, which has been great for my career.

Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Can you recall a time when you lost confidence in riding and how you regained it?

Confidence has never come naturally to me, unlike some people who seem to rebound effortlessly. Throughout my career, even before my accident, I struggled with confidence. In 2007, when I was on the training squad, I was the only one who expressed interest in meeting with a sports psychologist. At the time, it made me feel somewhat isolated, but I’ve always been open to anything that could give me a competitive edge, and I am glad that I sought out the support.

Naturally, my biggest blow to confidence came in 2008 with my serious accident. My mom had always taught me that when you fall or make a mistake, you get back on and fix it. However, in this instance, I couldn’t get back on for many months due to being hospitalized. Beyond the obvious physical and emotional repercussions, I also grappled with confidence issues regarding how people perceived me. I faced a lot of negative backlash and encountered many who wanted to interview me for the wrong reasons. The internet played a significant role in affecting how I felt about myself.

Regaining my confidence wasn’t an overnight process, but a good friend, Kristen Bond, gave me a book called “Mind Gym” by Gary Mack, which proved immensely helpful in developing problem-solving skills. I still draw on mantras from that book to this day. Speaking with Daniel Stewart was also pivotal in giving me the confidence to be myself and approach things differently.

When you’re young, there’s a tendency to want to get back into the saddle immediately to prove everything’s fine. Looking back, I realize I did myself a disservice by not acknowledging the emotions I experienced. It’s clear to me now that the worst thing you can do when you lose your confidence is to rush yourself. Riding at a level below your competency allows you the bandwidth to work through the challenges you’re facing.

I continue to prioritize my mental health both as an athlete and as a person. I’ve learned that certain activities, like working out, getting a massage, or going to cryotherapy, contribute to my self-care because they affect how I feel and perform in the saddle. Ultimately, confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have—it’s complex and individualized. It requires self-awareness and constant effort. Despite the work I’ve put in, my natural reaction to making a mistake is still self-criticism, so I surround myself with people and resources that help me reframe my perspective.

Big hugs for Anthony Patch. Photo by Sally Spickard.

How do you manage burnout?

When I experience burnout, it’s usually due to either the time of the season or feeling stuck because I don’t have many horses and worry about being surpassed by other riders. Our world feels small, with everyone seemingly chasing the same goals, so the fear of being left behind looms large. For me, having a dual focus on two sports has been incredibly helpful. Last year, when I encountered problems with my eventing horse, it coincided with breakthroughs in my dressage horse’s training, making the lows of eventing easier to handle.

Do you have any performance routines for when you feel nervous?

When I’m preparing for a show and feeling nervous, I pick out a few horses or rounds to watch, then give myself some quiet time to divert my mind from obsessing over my performance. I usually play Candy Crush because I know I need to quiet my mind. While some people prefer getting hyped up before cross-country, that doesn’t work best for me. Once I have a plan, I don’t want to overthink it, so I do something completely mindless.

Laine Ashker and Lovedance. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

What advice would you offer to someone in the sport facing adversity?

There have been many times in my career when I’ve felt like I didn’t have enough owners, enough horses, or even enough mental strength to continue. In those moments, I picture myself at 80, watching the Olympics and explaining eventing or dressage to my friends, and I wonder, ‘What if I never tried to get there?’ I’m not sure I could live with myself if I gave up on a goal I’ve dedicated my whole life to. It’s easy to stick with what’s safe, and sometimes that’s okay, but when facing adversity, I ask myself if I’ve truly tried everything. This sport is tough, expensive, and physically demanding, but it’s also my dream, and that dream drives me through the struggles because giving up would cost me more. If someone is facing adversity, I urge them to consider that scenario and ask themselves if they’ve left no stone unturned, because, in my experience, there’s always another stone.

What’s Happening? Your Guide to Horse Shows, Schooling, Clinics & More on STRIDER [Updated 3/26]

Tik Maynard works with a horse. Photo courtesy of Kaitlin Hartford.

“What’s Happening?,” presented in partnership with Strider, is your guide to horse shows, schooling opportunities, clinics and other riding and educational opportunities.

Need a way to accept digital entries and payment for your venue’s next equestrian activity? Join Strider, a mobile friendly, user-controlled services platform that connects organizers with riders. It’s easy and fast to use — click here to get started.

Here is what’s happening in your USEA Area!

Location Quick Links: Area I | Area II | Area III | Area IV | Area V | Area VI | Area VII | Area VIII | Area IX | Area X

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Go Eventing.