We’re starting today off with some sad news as British 5* rider Ben Hobday announced the passing of his former fan-favorite partner, Mulrys Error, on August 4. The bay Irish gelding was 23 years old. Mulrys Error may have come from unconventional breeding — his dam was a full Clydesdale, while his sire was a successful racehorse — but that he didn’t need to know that. With his dinner plate-sized feet, he galloped around events like Badminton and Burghley, completing four times at the CCI5* level with Ben in the irons.
“I am deeply saddened by his passing,” Ben wrote on social media. “A horse that defied the odds. A 5star COB with the courage of a lion. He gave me a reason to fight when the future was uncertain. He showed anything was possible and gave hope to everyone who watched him.”
In honor of this horse of a lifetime, a memorial service will be held on August 18 at 2 pm local time at 2pm at the Half Moon Inn in Willingham by Stow. “Everyone who loved him is welcome,” Ben invited in his tribute.
Read more about Mulry’s Error here.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Otter Creek Summer H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Woodside Summer H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH/OEH Qualifier (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Major International Events
NAF Five Star Hartpury International (UK): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Schedule] [Live Stream]
News & Reading
Now is the time to use your voice! US Equestrian is accepting rule change proposals from USEF members until September 1. You’ll need to have been a USEF member for at least five consecutive years, and all rule change proposals go through a vetting process through multiple channels. So while there’s no guarantee your proposal will get pushed through, it’s a useful way to put something on the governing body’s radar that could lead to future changes. Read more about the process here.
Speaking of rules, brush up on an important refresher that has to do with your medical armband/data carrier. This is a highly important (and required!) piece of equipment you can’t forget before you leave the start box. Learn more about the purpose of your medical card here.
If your fence lines look like they’ve been left with a separation anxious dog, your horse might be the culprit. Wood chewing (sometimes mislabeled as cribbing or wind-sucking) is not only a bad habit, it’s also an indicator of underlying trouble or discomfort in your horse. Learn how to understand the signs and meanings of this behavior here.
Sponsor Corner: Loch Moy Farm
Mark your calendars for a chance to escape the midweek slump and enjoy some low-pressure eventing! Join Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD) today, August 6, and also on August 20 for quick, fun, and flexible Twilight Eventing experiences designed for everyone from green horses to experienced pairs looking to move up.
These casual competitions run Modified through Introductory and offer full Horse Trials, Combined Tests, and Dressage-only options — perfect for building confidence without the pressure. Loch Moy Farm runs multiple dressage rings and schedule backwards from dusk, starting early as entries warrant.
Cross country features 12–16 jumps over a course up to 1700 meters, with a choose-your-own-adventure format: select your level at each obstacle (Intro through Modified), and as long as you jump clean on your first try, you’ll avoid cross country penalties. Want to circle back and try it at a higher level? Go for it—no TE. You can even hop unflagged fences en route to your next numbered jump for extra schooling!
To learn more about the Twilight Eventing Series, click here.
Video Break
More training advice from Olympic champion Julia Krajewski:
