So, I don’t know if you heard, but there is just one week to go before a certain event kicks off. Yep, that’s right, the countdown to the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event is ON, with horses arriving at the Kentucky Horse Park from all over the world. Amongst them is JL Dublin, last year’s runner up, who will be vying for another crack at the coveted title.
He and Adam Short – right hand man to Dubs’ jockey Tom McEwan, and the friendliest person in our sport – made the trip to the States on Wednesday evening, and further updates from Tom confirm that they have both arrived safely in quarantine. Other British based horses, riders and grooms who have made – or will soon be making the trip across the Atlantic – include Maryland runner-up Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent, Kentucky 2022 runner up– and current World Champions – Yas Ingham and Banzai de Loir, as well as Kirsty Chabert and Classic IV and Irish rider Susie Berry, who will be making the trip for the first time with Clever Trick, her ride at last year’s European Championships.
With last year’s winners Tamie Smith and Mai Baum amongst the most notable absences on the start list, the battle for the 5* crown is wide open. The victor this year will take home more than a 5* title though: given that the Paris Olympics are also within spitting distance, a win here would make them almost a dead cert for Olympic team selection, too. Whatever the outcome, it is sure to be The Best Weekend All Year (in the States at least), and we can’t wait for this time next week, when it will be well underway. Ready, set, let’s GO EVENTING!]
U.S. Weekend Preview
Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI-S (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Meadowcreek Park – The Spring Social Event (Kosse, TX) [Website] [Entries][Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Ocala International Festival of Eventing (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]
Major International Events
Adelaide Equestrian Festival [Website] [5* Entries] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Live Stream]
UK International Events
Kelsall Hill International [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]
European International Events
Strzegom Spring Open II [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Live Stream]
Friday News & Reading
Back here in Britain, the 5* countdown is also on, for the 75th Badminton Horse Trials. As part of their build up for this special anniversary year, they have been revisiting previous runners to find out what they are doing now. So far we have seen Ringwood Sky Boy enjoying a second career as a dressage champ, and this week it is the turn of Classic Moet. She is enjoying her retirement with owner Trisha Rickards, having had two foals – both mares – by the late, great Upsilon. Future Badminton winners? You heard it here first.
More 5* news! This is quickly becoming a 5* themed update, but surely there is no such thing as too much as far as 5*’s are concerned?! This time, it is relating to the other big British event, Burghley Horse Trials (5-8th September 2024). There is just a week to go until the box office opens for the event, with some exciting new additions this year, including reduced ticket prices for 12-16 year olds, and the chance to have a bougie breakfast and/or lunch in the new Avebury restaurant. If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, then check out this sneak peak into course designer Derek di Grazia’s plans for the 2024 course. Adelaide this weekend, Kentucky next, Badminton the week after and Burghely edging ever closer…I think I need to go and lie down in a dark room before the excitement gets too much for me…
Another week, another shameless plug for the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast. In keeping with the apparent 5* theme that we have going on here, it is centred around that there Kentucky, with Diarm Byrne and Frankie Thieriot Stutes delving into the US/Europe rivalry that we are about to see play out at the Horse Park. A fascinating listen, it only adds to the insane level of anticipation I am feeling for this time next week…someone pass me a drink would you please?!
A pause from 5* shenanigans, now, and a more sombre note to finish As I type, the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Final is well underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, in a bold move, the World of Showjumping – usually the go to for all things jumping – has announced that they will not be covering the event. In this statement, they explained their momentous decision, and I must admit, I admire their integrity – and whole heartedly agree. It’s like the football World Cup in Qatar all over again, whereby many high profile sportsmen and public figures were openly at odds with the event being hosted by a country whose human rights are so disparate to those of the majority of the Western World. Riyadh is similarly lacking in human rights, with women subject to numerous restrictions, and the country has been listed ‘deadly’ for LGBTQ people, too. If only more of us were brave enough to stand up for what we believer. World of Showjumping, I salute you.
Sponsor Corner
The 2023 Spirit Award Champions at the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship: University of Kentucky. USEA/Shelby Allen photo
Next up on Stable View’s calendar of recognized horse trials are the USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Championships! Competitors– registration has officially closed. Ride times will be posted on 5/2. Remember, definite team rosters must be submitted by April 29th! They’ve got some amazing prizes for the college championships, including VTO Saddlery pads and FITS gift certificates. Spectators– come cheer on your favorite team! 📣 More info here.
Weekend Watching
Aannnd we’re back to all things 5*. Given that Australia’s 5* is now well underway, it seems only appropriate that we wrap up with a course preview from the other side of the world. So enjoy this sneak peak into some of the challenges facing riders over in Oz this weekend, as presented by dual World Cup and Beijing Silver Medalist Clayton Fredericks. Be sure to follow the rest of the action over at Horse & Country (subscription required), and check out this handy guide to see where you can check the entry list and live results. Have a fabulous weekend – and whether in this hemisphere or the South, Go Eventing!
