Heads up Ocala! The Ocala Horse Alliance is hosting its Leg Up on Literacy fundraiser on November 6 from 5–8 p.m. at Conway Arabians in Micanopy, FL, benefiting the Black Stallion® Reading Project — a program that gives every Marion County fourth grader their very own copy of The Black Stallion and the chance to meet a real horse/get them properly riddled with the horse bug, naturally.
For a $50 ticket price, you’ll get live music, cocktails, and a silent auction, all supporting an initiative that brings the magic of horses and reading together. Sponsorship opportunities are also available if you’d like to help make an even bigger impact.
Learn more or snag your ticket at ocalahorsealliance.org.
U.S. Events Opening Entries Today
None this week!
U.S. Events Closing Entries Today
The Event at TerraNova (FL); Ram Tap H.T. & Classic Three-Day (CA)
News & Reading
In this month’s Pressure Proof tip for the USEA, Coach Daniel Stewart dives into the Paradox of Least Effort, also known as our brain’s sneaky tendency to seek the easiest path, even when it leaves us feeling a little hollow. Through what he calls the “IKEA Effect”, Daniel reminds us that the satisfaction we feel after struggling, sweating, and maybe even failing a few times comes from the meaning we build along the way. So whether it’s rebuilding a flat-pack cabinet or bouncing back after pulling a rail, choose hard over easy. That’s where the real growth (and joy) happens. Read the full column here.
The 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is heading to New Orleans, LA December 11–14, and it’s shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss. From deep-dive educational sessions (like course design with Chris Barnard and nutrition with Nutrena’s Alex Brannon) to panels with some of the sport’s top officials, a primer on the new 2026 dressage tests and more, this year’s Convention promises plenty to learn—and plenty to celebrate. Registration is open now via the USEA’s new HorseConnect platform. Click here for more information.
When Maryland eventer Lily Bisson was diagnosed with breast cancer, her local horse community became her greatest source of strength: inspiring her to create the Equestrian Breast Cancer Support Group and launch Gallop For Life, a nonprofit sending equestrian-themed care packages to women with cancer. What began as one rider’s journey has grown into a global network of horsewomen supporting each other through life’s toughest rides. Learn more or get involved here, and read Lily’s full story of inspiration here.
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
From the racetrack to the dressage arena, Sibelius continues to prove he’s all class. The $1.8 million-winning gelding, co-owned by Kentucky Performance Products’ Delia Nash, Jun Park, and trainer Jerry O’Dwyer, made his mark at this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover, finishing third in dressage and eighth in freestyle with Alison O’Dwyer in the tack.
After a bowed tendon ended his racing career, Sibelius traded speed for suppleness—and took to his new job with the same determination that once carried him to a Grade 1 victory in Dubai. “It’s a big ask for him to go from being a sprinter to dancing in the dressage ring,” Nash said. “But he did it like the true champ we know he is.”
Now officially a fan favorite, Sibelius has become a standout ambassador for the breed, proving once again that with the right care, patience, and partnership, Thoroughbreds really can do it all. Read a full recap of Sibelius’ weekend here.
Video Break
News from the jumper world! Laura Kraut and Tres Bien Z took home the top honors in this weekend’s $340,000 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W. See how they did it:
