Hey EN, a quick note before today’s news:
On Saturday, July 18, two statements from British Eventing were posted informing us that two serious incidents had taken place at competitions — one at Swalcliffe in Oxfordshire and one at Penrith in Cumbria. Both events were abandoned for the remainder of the weekend, and live scores were removed from the scoring platform out of respect for those affected. The full statement released by British Eventing can be found here.
Following other losses in our sport, EN has undertaken the following protocol:
These incidents represent incredibly dark days within our sport. We understand that the news cycle is cruel, particularly in cases like this. To help keep the cycle from perpetuating in the light of such loss, EN will continue to publish stories and news on an as-needed/timely basis, but we will refrain from sharing these updates on our social media platforms for the next few days. We feel as powerless as anyone in these situations and feel that the least we can do is not move on lightly. We will also not speculate on the circumstances of the incidents, nor will we allow this to take place in the comments sections.
We also know that there’s a World Championship (two of them — one this weekend at Millstreet for U25 riders and one next month at Aachen for Seniors) right at our doorstep. We’ll be covering these events to honor our commitment to our sponsors as well as to continue to provide coverage of the sport’s key competitions. However, we hope you’ll understand that we don’t feel it appropriate to approach these with our usual happy hype. Our content will be quality, but out of respect to all of those we have lost, we hope to offer this as a time of reflection.
Our thoughts are with all of those affected by these losses and we work for a safe sport in everything we do. We thank you for your understanding.
Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support through the British Eventing Support Trust Helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 07780 008877.
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One Big Thing: Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage at Tryon
Join Brooke USA’s Foothills Regional Advisory Council for a benefit concert unlike any other.
Horses, riders and live symphonic music will come together in the arena when Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage returns to Tryon International Equestrian Center on Thursday, October 8. The unforgettable evening celebrates equestrian artistry while supporting Brooke USA’s mission to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them around the world.
Hosted by the Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA) Foothills Regional Advisory Council and presented by Joe R. & Joella F. Utley Foundation, Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage has become one of the region’s most anticipated equestrian traditions, uniting horses, music and philanthropy in a signature community event.
Now in its sixth year, Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage offers a rare and captivating experience where dressage musical freestyles are performed to live orchestral accompaniments. More than a display of athleticism and precision, each performance reflects the extraordinary partnership between horse and rider, built through years of trust, communication and mutual respect.
The evening’s centerpiece is a one-hour performance featuring acclaimed dressage riders and their horses performing choreographed freestyle routines accompanied live by the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Associate Music Director Eric Scheider. New this year, audiences will also experience the artistry of equestrian vaulting, adding an exciting new dimension to the performance. From classical favorites to contemporary selections, the program blends music, movement and horsemanship into a captivating celebration of artistry, elegance and the harmony that defines the sport of dressage.
Conceived by Brooke USA Board Member and Foothills Regional Advisory Council Chair Sally Frick, an accomplished flutist and lifelong equestrian, Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage was inspired by her passion for both horses and music. What began in the Foothills has grown into Brooke USA’s signature equestrian fundraising event, inspiring similar performances in Wellington, and Ocala, FL while remaining firmly rooted in the community where it first took shape.
“Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage celebrates the extraordinary connection between horse, rider and music,” said Frick. “There is something magical about watching these magnificent animals move in harmony with a live orchestra. It is an evening that showcases the beauty and grace of the horse while helping improve the lives of working equines and the communities that depend on them worldwide.”
Featured performers include Brooke USA Ambassador and international dressage rider JJ Tate; Olympian Julio Mendoza, the first dressage rider to represent Ecuador at the Olympic Games and a Western North Carolina-based trainer; returning fan favorite Trayce Doubek, owner and trainer at Tryon-based Renovatio Farm; and Grass Roots Vaulters, presenting equestrian vaulting in its debut at Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage. Additional featured performers will be announced as they are confirmed.
The Program
5:30–7:00 PM: Pre-performance reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
7:00–8:00 PM: Concert and dressage freestyle performance
8:00–9:00 PM: Dessert and coffee with riders and music director
Silent Auction close-out
Proceeds from Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage support Brooke USA’s mission to significantly improve the health and welfare of working horses, donkeys and mules and the communities who depend on their productivity for survival worldwide. Through sustainable programs around the world and in the United States, Brooke USA advances animal welfare, food security, access to water, education and economic opportunity.
[Click here for more info and to purchase tickets]
Registration ends Monday, October 5, 2026.
Major International Events This Weekend
FEI Eventing World U25 Championships for U25 Riders & Millstreet International HT CCI4*-L (IRL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Hamm-Rhynern International CCI4*-S (GER): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
US Events This Weekend
Millbrook HT (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Hunt Club Farms HT (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Other Links and Reading
Training Tip of the Day
Change up your trot pole patterns with these easy exercises:
Go Eventing
Pop in for a barn aisle chat with Sharon White and Caroline Pamukcu:
