“Every time I ask this horse to come through for me, she is just so clutch. She’s just an incredible competitor and I’m so lucky to have her by my side and in that arena. We’ve been working together for a year now and we’re just continuing to build this synergetic and symbiotic bond,” said Ebeling. “I’m just so proud of her. As I’ve said, a rider is nothing without their horse, so really, thank you, Belle.”

“Our freestyle really highlights her personality as a diva mare and is a testament to strong powerful women. The freestyle includes sections of songs from artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, and Gwen Stefani, and honestly, I don’t think anyone can do it better than a mare and that’s been the inspiration behind this freestyle,” said Ebeling of his musical selection.

Of the evening and monumental achievement, Ebeling noted the format of the competition and the opportunity to highlight the Grand Prix Freestyle a positive push the sport needs to be able to connect with more people and attract a broader audience.

“I think it’s such a great way to capture the hearts and minds of a wider audience. It’s an amazing opportunity for our sport and to show that we can make it fun and entertaining, while highlighting the incredible attributes of our horses. Getting to have my name inked on this trophy with other greats, including two Olympians, it just motivates me more to keep going and keep pushing.”

With Drombusch OLD and her own 2011 Oldenburg gelding (Destano x DiMaggio), Felicitas Hendricks (GER) set the tone in the second half of the class, earning a 78.260% to put the pressure on both Ebeling and Marek to deliver. Hendricks, who earned her qualification during the Wellington season in her campaign last spring, competed in the desert for the first time and was thrilled with both her horse and the experience.

“I’ve been with this horse for a long, long time and he just never stops impressing me. I think today was one of the best feelings we’ve had together,” said Hendricks of her ride. “It’s special when you have been partners for as long as we have and you still feel like you’re continuing to grow and develop together – getting better with every ride. I’m so thankful for him and to be able to experience this together.”

Marek (Dunnellon, Fla.) and Fayvel, a 2010 KWPN gelding (Zizi Top x Houston) owned by Cynthia Davila, finished their week with a strong third-place finish in the final class of the week, capping an incredibly strong season for the pair, which included their overall series win, alongside their FEI Grand Prix CDI5* win on Friday evening.

“What’s really fun about showing this horse is that he’s uncomplicated to ride. He lets me really ride and not hold back. With Fayvel, I can really go for it and on a night like tonight, when the pressure is on, I know I’m going to fight for it and he’s going to be right there with me every step of the way and we don’t need to hold back,” explained Marek. “It’s been an amazing week here for us in California and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to compete here with him.”

A total of twelve combinations moved forward to contest the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5* under the lights, with four different combinations earning personal bests, with competitors across the competition representing the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

View the full results here.

— Edited Press Release | Source: US Equestrian

The post Ben Ebeling and Bellena Win Inaugural US Equestrian Open Dressage Final appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

And they came because they love horses.

Horses—and Donkeys—of All Kinds

Equine Affaire draws attendees and event participants from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond. And over 50 breeds of horses have participated in the various events at Equine Affaire, proudly represented by their national breed associations. The Breed Pavilion was buzzing as horse lovers got to meet and greet enchanting breeds, including the Arabian, Dales Pony, Icelandic, Gypsy Vanner, and many more.  

And this year introduced something special at Equine Affaire—the Donkey Extravaganza. You read that right: donkeys of exceptional cuteness were on hand for educational presentations. With those long ears and expressive eyes, they captivated young and old alike. Donkey lovers were delighted to shop from vendors catering to donkey-related products and services.  

Clinics, Seminars and Demonstrations

The educational opportunities are almost unlimited at Equine Affaire. With clinics, seminars and demonstrations running simultaneously all day in multiple arenas and stages, attendees strategically planned their schedule of events to attend. Clinics included show jumping foundations with Gaby Reutter, ranch riding with Cole Cameron, galloping techniques for eventing cross-county with Phyllis Dawson, classical dressage principles, trailer loading techniques, the basics of saddle fitting, caring for feathers, and even the chance to drive a Whispery Pines Percheron. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

On Thursday afternoon, Kimberly Chick—British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)-certified helmet and safety vest fitter and owner of Fair Hill Saddlery—presented a clinic on selecting and fitting a safety vest. Safety vests and airbag vests are advanced gear designed to add an extra layer of protection.

“Every rider and handler of a horse is subject to injury—from the ground, mounted, loading, literally anything. And a safety vest protects our vital organs and bones,” Chick explained.

But choosing the right vest and having it professionally fitted is critical.

“There’s a big difference between a 65-year-old trail rider and a 30-year-old eventer,” Chick explains. The discipline and rider’s goals help Chick choose the right vest for a rider, ensuring it isn’t too high above the rib cage or sitting too low on the back.

Chick’s expert tips to selecting a vest: “Buy the highest level of BETA certification that fits you the best and that your budget allows. Your body is worth the investment.”

On Friday, Lori Tankel, author of Common Sense Horse Keeping, presented the clinic “Disaster Planning for Horse Owners: How to Be Prepared for the Unexpected.” Tankel stressed how crucial it is for horse owners and barn managers to take seriously disaster preparedness.

“It’s just as important to have a disaster plan as it is to have a fire plan… It will help you deal with disaster challenges in a calm and organized manner,” Tankel said. “Take ownership of your disaster plan—identify potential disasters, put it in writing, post it in the barn, provide a copy to boarders and staff, and then drill it often. Your goal is to ID your horse, load him, and evacuate as quickly as possible. Can you board your horse in any condition, at any time? His life may depend on it.” 

On Saturday morning, Ken McNabb presented the clinic “Overcoming Trail Obstacles: Teaching Your Horse to Have Confidence on the Trail Course.” McNabb explained that “once your horse’s confidence is in you, he will do anything… the more difficult a situation, the quicker you build the relationship with your horse, teaching him to trust you in all situations. You can’t stop your horse from spooking, but you can shape how you will handle it.”

For example, overreacting to a horse that is spooking at a tarp by yelling, kicking, or otherwise trying to force him to go over it will only reinforce the “danger” of the tarp. “Take the fear out, relax, look at the tarp, release, look at it again, release; take the time needed to build the horse’s confidence,” McNabb shared. “My goal is not to desensitize my horse. I want my horse sensitive, but I want to build his emotional control, allowing him to discover he has more courage than fear.” 

Equine Affaire’s Ride With a Pro program is a unique experience that allows riders and horses to take a lesson directly from nationally recognized professionals in various disciplines. Riders pushed down any lingering nerves and quickly realized this was their chance to soak up expert advice.  

Jane Karol’s clinic “Classical Dressage: Developing the Horse & Rider at Training and First Level” focused on building a language of trust with your horse, how tiny adjustments can make a big impact, and why going back to the basics of Training and First Level exercises shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Softer hands [are] fundamental in a smooth walk to canter transition,” Karol said. She stressed “teaching the horse that the leg doesn’t mean go faster, but to go in a more balanced way” and that the “seemingly simple exercise—trot, canter, trot, canter—is a fantastic exercise for riders at every level.”   

Versatile Horse & Rider Competition   

One of the most popular events took place on Friday afternoon in the Coliseum—Equine Affaire’s Versatile Horse & Rider Competition—with Equine Affaire’s favorite emcee, Noah Rattner, and this year’s judge, Jason Irwin. Horse and rider teams were judged on how well they raced through an obstacle course which included pulling a sled, balancing on bridges, bubble wands, a bear, working a gate, a teeter-totter, jumps, and much more. The challenging course tested communication and horsemanship skills. With $5,500 in cash and other prizes on the line, the competition really heated up. 

Adoption at Equine Affaire

 The ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Affaire, along with other equine adoption organizations, spent the event introducing people to healthy, desirable, and deserving horses and donkeys in hopes of finding new loving homes. At Equine Affaire in Ohio in April 2025, 30 horses were adopted. Unable to adopt in person at Equine Affaire? Visit myrighthorse.org to meet adoptable equines across the United States.  

Fantasia 

This unforgettable “musical celebration of the horse” combines inspiring music, outstanding choreography, talented equestrians, and exceptional horses that come together in an uplifting and memorable performance. Fantasia is the perfect way to end a day at Equine Affaire!    

The Vital Role of Equine Affaire Volunteers

Equine Affaire is a complicated affair with moving parts and people working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it a success—including the many volunteers who return year after year. Equine Affaire HR & Business Manager, Lori Helsel, is the guiding force behind engaging and managing the 75 volunteers needed throughout the four-day event, with each volunteer working multiple shifts a day. Volunteers with big smiles greet and hand out event programs at the entrance gates, assist clinic prop crews with setup during educational programs, help customers drop off items to be sold at the Marketplace Consignment, assist youth in the Equine Fundamentals Forum and popular “Stick Horse Rodeo,” coordinate crowd control during horse rotations in the Breed Pavilion, and work as ushers at Fantasia. 

“The assistance of volunteers in fulfilling these duties is invaluable,” Helsel explained. “One of the things I appreciate most is the passion and enthusiasm our volunteers display. It’s infectious and elevates the energy and enjoyment for attendees, exhibitors, and everyone they meet.”  

Some Equine Affaire volunteers have made it a family affair. Pam Heffernan and her daughter Tracy Bowman have been volunteering together for seventeen years. “I think my favorite thing is just being able to spend four days with my mom,” Bowman said. “I’m obsessed with horses so any reason to be around horses and horse people I’ll jump at. But more than anything, it’s the people. We work with them only for four days out of the year, but we’ve known them for so long that they become like family.”  

“It gives us something to look forward to every year,” Heffernan added. “I really enjoy working with kids in the youth pavilion, making the stick horses, and keeping the area organized.”   

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the horses we all love. Start planning now for the next Equine Affaire, happening in Columbus, Ohio April 9-12, 2026. Learn more here.

This article about Equine Affaire Massachusetts 2025 is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Monica Spencer (NZL), riding her own 14-year-old Thoroughbred Artist (Guillotine – Volksraad), was second and the USA’s Boyd Martin and Yankee Creek Ranch’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Commando 3 (Connor 48 – Amigo xx) took third. Caroline Pamukcu riding HSH Blake and Jennie Brannigan on FE Lifestyle, both from the USA, were fourth and fifth, respectively. For a complete set of the results from the 2025 Mars Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, visit here.

It was Vogg’s first time competing at the Maryland 5 Star and his second 5* win (he also won in Luhmühlen in 2022 aboard Colero). He is the first Swiss event rider to win twice at the level, the first Swiss competitor to win the Maryland 5 Star, and is only the second Swiss rider ever to win a 5* (Hans Schwarzenbach won Badminton in 1951 which was the top FEI level, but at the time was called a 4*). He joins these past Maryland 5 Star winners on the prestigious list: Boyd Martin (USA) with On Cue, 2021; Tim Price (NZL) and Coup de Coeur Dudevin, 2022; Austin O’Conner (IRE) on Colorado Blue, 2023, and Oliver Townend (GBR) aboard Ballaghmor Class, 2024.  

Vogg and Cartania were in the hunt to win the CCI5*-L division from their first pass down center line in the dressage arena on Friday. They laid down a beautiful test, scoring 28.3 which put them in third after dressage behind Spencer and Artist (23.7) and Pamukcu on HSH Blake (28.2).  

Then, on Saturday, Vogg and Cartania were one of only four pairs to complete new designer Pierre Le Goupil’s (FRA) cross-country course, jumping both clear and within the time. The other three horses achieving a double-clear run were Thoroughbreds (Spencer’s Artist who ranked first after cross-country, Mia Farley’s (USA) Phelps who sat in third at the end of the day, and Sophia Hill’s (AUS) Humble Glory who finished the cross-country in seventh position). Of the 22 starters from six countries (Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA), 13 completed cross-country for a finish rate of 59.09% over Le Goupil’s course.

After all 13 of the 5* horses presented passed the final horse inspection Sunday morning, it was on to the show jumping phase. The competitors returned mostly in reverse order of finish from cross-country, with Pamucku jumping her horses out of order since she had two competing (HSH Tolan King in addition to Blake). Entering the arena next to last, Vogg and Cartania did what they had to do, jump clear with only 0.4 time penalties over Michel Vaillancourt’s stadium course.

When overnight leaders Spencer and Artist dropped two rails, the victory was Vogg’s. Martin and Commando 3 also left the rails up and confidently sailed around the course for double-clear to move up from fifth after cross-country to take third. Pamukcu and Blake did the same, advancing from sixth to fourth.

Vogg was able to make the trip to the Maryland 5 Star with support from a Maryland 5 Star International Riders Travel Grant. The Grant program assists elite riders from around the globe to travel to Maryland to compete.

“Many people invite me [to the U.S.] but costs are quite high. To be honest, without that grant, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” Vogg said. “I am very thankful that people donated so that we can all come over.” 

Quietly smiling after the win, he admitted that he had a bet with his groom that involved her cutting his hair if he won and him cutting her hair if he didn’t. He was understandably elated on the victory, “It is unbelievable; the horse was unbelievable. Of course, I wanted to win all week, many people wanted that. She was all week mentally so strong.”   

One Degree of Separation from Boyd Martin

Sitting in the final 5* press conference, Martin shared that he, Vogg and Spencer had a connection to the area around Fair Hill. Martin’s farm is only half an hour from the showgrounds.  

“Felix was sort of living with us in America for about a year. He’s a top fella,” said Martin. “Me and Monica are a great mates; she’s my next-door neighbor. So, I love to win, but it’s not so bad being third to these two champion riders, who are both fantastic people. I feel honored to be here with them. They’re well deserved to come first and second. My horse Commando, he’s just a champion.” 

Immediately after the press conference, Vogg hopped on a plane to travel to Pratoni, Italy, (the site of the 2022 FEI World Championships) to compete five horses in a horse trials there. And, Cartania was headed home for some well-deserved rest.  

Spencer has been based in the USA for a little less than two years. All week she had shown emotion about the connection with her long-time equine partner Artist, a.k.a. “Max,” “I’ve had him since he was four and he’s just been a great horse for me. He has taken me all over the world. We come to these big events and I’m just thankful to be here. He just tries so hard.” 

Her plans for after the Maryland 5 Star included a much-deserved vacation for Max and a trip for her and her husband Andrew and son Gus to go on a vacation back to New Zealand for three weeks to visit family and friends. She hasn’t been home since moving to the USA in February 2024.  

Martin jumped on a jet right after the Maryland 5 Star as well, flying to France to compete in the Pau 5* where he will compete Cooley Nutcracker, one of fellow eventer Liz Halliday’s mounts that Martin took on during her rehabilitation from a traumatic brain injury.  

Elsewhere at the Maryland 5 Star

Maryland native Isabelle Bosley, riding Karen Martin’s 8-year-old gelding Oldenburg gelding Conner (Consiro 3 – Concetto), led the CCI3* division from start to finish, winning on a score of 24.8. From Monkton, Md., Bosley comes from an equestrian family with her parents training racehorses. She has also competed in timber racing.

“I couldn’t be happier,” she said, “It means so much to have my family and friends here supporting me this weekend. Conner was incredible; he’s such a good boy. He’s definitely not for sale.”  

Second in the 3* was Alyssa Phillips, who also maintained that spot throughout the weekend, on her 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding Rockett 19. And, third from wire to wire was Olivia Dutton riding Jewelent, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse her father competed before her.  

In the USEA Young Event Horse Championships, presented by Dubarry, the winner of the 5-Year-Old Class was Pine Top Penny Belline ridden by Kylie Cahoon. MBF Mirror Image ridden by Arielle Aharoni won the 4-Year-Old Young Event Horse Division.  

In the Maryland Corgi Cup, around 125 enthusiastic, short-legged dogs made a mad dash over several heats in the morning, then a whittled field raced a final time in the afternoon to determine the victor. First-time winner Cheese took home a trophy and gift basket from Corgi Cup producers Major League Eventing. 

The long weekend was full of other family fun, including a Kid’s Corner area with games, crafts, a petting zoo, and a Hall of Champions tent which housed successful event horses such as Jennie Brannigan’s Cambalda, two of Boyd Martin’s Olympic horses Otis Barbotiere and Black Foot Mystery, and Erin Sylvester’s Paddy the Caddy. During the lunch break on Saturday, Shetland Pony races delighted spectators too. Also on Saturday the Maryland 5 Star hosted a beer, wine and spirits festival, and on Sunday a local food vendors showcase. Throughout, there was a nice variety of shopping and dining choices, as well as live music performances. The Real Rider Cup, a Thoroughbred retraining fundraiser, a dog adoption event, and the Mars Pet Experience chalet were also part of the fun.  

For more news and the dates of the 2026 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill event, visit the Maryland 5 Star website. 

To watch replays of the action at the 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, go to FEI TV via ClipMyHorse (subscription required). 

This article about the 2025 Maryland 5 Star is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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“It’s an incredible feeling to win here,” said Martin. “This event has been so well organized, and Morven Park is one of the best venues in the world. For years, we’ve all seen the potential here. Morven Park has beautiful cross-country tracks, great rings, and a world-class facility. The US Equestrian Open has brought in amazing prize money and attracted the country’s best horses and riders and to win this inaugural event is a huge honor.”

Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and the Miks Master C, a 2012 U.S.-bred Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mighty Magic x Qui Luma CBF), owned by Ocala Horse Properties, LLC., Deborah Palmer, and Rachael Isaacson, and cared for by Stephanie Simpson, completed the weekend on a final  combined score of 28.7 after producing a clear round int the main arena secure their win and take home the lion’s share of the $200,000 prize pot. Both Martin and Miks Master C’s names will now be added to the perpetual US Equestrian Open trophy, marking their place in history as the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final’s first-ever champions. Additionally, Martin was also awarded the MARS American Bred Talent Trophy which was award to the top-finishing U.S.-bred horse in the competition in the CCI4*-L division.

Miks Master C is a newer mount for Martin, having previously been campaigned by fellow U.S. Eventing Team athlete Liz Halliday before joining Martin’s program just over a year ago. The partnership has now found its rhythm at the top levels of the sport, with Martin noting this victory holds special significance for him, personally, his team, and the supportive team behind Miks Master C. Martin reflected on the journey of taking over the ride following Halliday’s accident in 2024, and the growing partnership he’s developed with the talented gelding.

“I’m so grateful to the owners for trusting me with one of Liz’s top horses. Miks Master C is a legend. He was Liz’s top hopeful, and this whole year we’ve just been getting to know each other. He’s an incredible horse with the right mix of power, grit, and heart.”

Martin shared that though he was still getting to know “Mikki” this year, he has always admired him. “When Liz first bought him, I was extremely jealous,” he said with a laugh. “Mikki is totally my type of horse. He has a lot of Thoroughbred in him. He’s one of those horses that moves like a Warmblood, but thinks like Thoroughbred – a true three-day eventer with an amazing gallop.”

After a thrilling cross-country phase yesterday, which featured a traditionally challenging and technical Derek di Grazia (USA)-designed track, Will Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and his veteran partner Off The Record entered Sunday’s jumping phase as the overnight leaders on their impressive dressage score of 25.1 However, one rail at B of the triple combination ultimately opened the door for Martin and Miks Master C to move to the top of the leaderboard.

Coleman’s strategic and polished riding across all three phases secured both second and third place aboard Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay), owned by Off The Record Syndicate, and cared for by Erin Jarboe, and  Very Dignified, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse mare (Dignified Van’t Zorgvliet x Kateys Gem), owned by Jerome Broussard, Elizabeth Lendrum, and Gloria Callen, also cared for by Jarboe, respectively. Coleman piloted both horses to just two of the three clear rounds yesterday around the CCI4*-L track, keeping both horses competitively inline on the leaderboard. Ultimately, Off The Record would finish on a final three-phase score of 29.1, while Very Dignified, earned a 35.4, in the pair’s CCI4*-L debut together.

For the Virginia-native Coleman, the introduction of the US Equestrian Open concept to the already historic importance of the Morven Park venue in the region’s deep traditional connection to horses and horse sport, allowed the competitive atmosphere to be elevated while also offering the opportunity to showcase the sport at its best.

“It’s an awesome cross-country course on one of the best eventing-specific venues in the U.S.,” said Coleman. “Anyone who is curious about eventing or wants to see what eventing all is about; they got such an awesome taste of that here at Morven Park this weekend.”

Both riders commended course designer Chris Barnard’s (USA) track on the final day for its technical demands and tight time allowed, which kept the pressure of the moment palpable to the very last ride of the class.

“The course was good and very technical,” Martin noted. “You had to ride it almost like a jump-off. It rewarded forward, efficient riding and showed how beneficial it is to practice pure show jumping on the side.”

When asked about the future of the US Equestrian Open Eventing  Final and Series, and what the athletes hope to see as it continues to evolve and grow, Coleman shared his optimistic outlook.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “What US Equestrian has built with this series is something that’s going to continue to grow, build more momentum, attract bigger crowds, and more prize money, which is really exciting for us as athletes, for our owners, and for our teams.”

View full US Equestrian Open Eventing Final results here.

— Edited Press Release

The post Boyd Martin Makes History as First-Ever US Equestrian Open Eventing Final CCI4*-L Champion Aboard Miks Master C appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

First held in 1955—a year after the Arizona Arabian Horse Association was formed—the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show offers a variety of classes, including Dressage, English, Western Pleasure, Trail, Native Costume, Liberty, and Halter, where exquisite Arabian horses show their grace and beauty. Winning at this show is prestigious; a win at Scottsdale can mean big money in the breeding barns.

The excitement of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Shows extends beyond just the exhibitors. The event is family friendly, with free admission for those under the age of 17. In addition to viewing the variety of exciting classes at the show, spectators have the chance to meet an Arabian horse, attend an interactive ambassador horse experience, enjoy behind-the-scenes barn tours, paint a pony, and attend seminars and demonstrations—all free with admission. Plus, there is no shortage of dining and shopping; the Shopping Expo features more than 200 vendor booths, offering everything from lavish jewelry, clothing, works of art, and more.

In addition to the competition, the event serves as a fundraiser for a number of charities that support equine therapy, medical research, youth programs, and more.

For more information, visit www.scottsdaleshow.com.

The post Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Set to Celebrate 71st Year in 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The folks in Aachen are old pros at big equestrian events. The iconic venue has been home to equestrian competition since 1898 and they hosted the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, so expect a well-organized Championships next year. For nearly 100 years they have staged several international-level shows each season, most notably their CHIO Aachen in July when the riders, drivers, vaulters and spectators from around the world gather for top-level sport.  Ask anyone who’s been and they’ll tell you, “Aachen is not to be missed! You’ll love it there.” 

Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger, talked about their commitment to hold the 2026 Championships in an August 11 press conference, “It is a great honor for us to host these important Championships. We will do everything in our power to offer equestrian sport a stage that will do more than justice to this international highlight.”  

She listed some of targeted investments, partly funded by the German government, that are to be made in time for the World Championships. These include installing a cover over Arena 3 and modernization of the cross-country course (which is being designed by Italian Giuseppe Della Chiesa), to name just a few. “Our goal is for Aachen to continue to be seen as the global flagship of equestrian sports in the future and to set new standards for major international events.”  

FEI 2026 Aachen World Championships Schedule & Venue

The fourteen days of the 2026 Aachen World Championships competition is divided into two weeks with three sports each week. Week one features dressage, eventing and vaulting, then in week two show jumping, four-in-hand combined driving and para-dressage fill the calendar. 

There will be three competition stadiums and an outdoor course where eventing cross-country and driving marathon will be run. The Main Stadium will host the opening ceremonies, dressage, show jumping, and the final show jumping phase of eventing. Stadium 2 will be the home of the driving dressage and cones phases and eventing dressage. Stadium 3 will stage the vaulting and para-dressage classes.  

Rave Reviews for Aachen

Germany’s Isabell Werth, the most decorated dressage rider of all time, had nothing but praise for the 2006 Championships during a press conference to mark the one-year until Aachen 2026, “The FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen were the greatest championships we, as riders, have ever experienced.” 

“Aachen is the mecca of show jumping. It’s one of the greatest shows in the world,” said Olympian and U.S. Show Jumping Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, after a U.S. Team Nations Cup CSIO5* win in Aachen in July. “There’s truly nothing like winning as a team here in Aachen.” 

Six-time Olympian for the USA, McLain Ward commented on his affinity for showing at Aachen while competing there in 2024, “I think I came to Aachen for the first time 30 years ago, not to date myself, and it just never gets old.” 

2024 Olympic show jumping gold medalist Christian Kukuk from Germany attended the 2006 Aachen Championships as a 16-year-old spectator on the stands and looks forward to making a bid for his country’s team in 2026. He said he had always hoped that a Championship of this magnitude would be staged in Aachen again. “I have not forgotten that breathtaking atmosphere.”  

Tickets, Travel & Housing Tips

Tickets for this every-four-years event are selling fast with over 50 percent already purchased, so don’t wait if you want to attend in person. Ticket prices run from the 15-Euro Village Passes (with no competition seating) up to 620 Euros for a show jumping all-access pass in the Mercedes Benz Grandstand, with many affordable pricing options in between.  

Eventing cross-country and driving marathon tickets cost 50 and 30 Euros, respectively. Para-dressage tickets are free with the purchase of another ticket (stadium seating for another sport or a village pass). Reasonably priced standing-room-only stadium tickets are also available for dressage and show jumping. Ticket prices may also include local bus fare for the date on the ticket.  

Closest airports to Aachen are Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany (53 miles), Düsseldorf Airport in Germany (62 miles), Maastricht Aachen Airport (17 miles) in the Netherlands and Liège Airport (37 miles) in Belgium. Aachen transportation options include trains and buses as well as car rentals, taxis, ride share companies such as Uber and FreeNow, and bicycle rentals. When looking for housing, in addition to looking in Germany, also consider hotels and rentals in Belgium and the Netherlands due to the close proximity of Aachen to those borders. The address of the Aachen showgrounds is: Albert-Servais-Allee 50, 52070 Aachen, Germany.  

More About Aachen

The city of Aachen is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia directly bordering Belgium to the southwest and the Netherlands to the northwest. The city has approximately 261,000 residents and is situated in the northern foothills of the High Fens and the Eifel Mountains and along the Wurm River. 

Links to More information

Ticket Sales

◆ Ticket Sales Brochure
◆ Online Ticket Sales

Television Coverage

The competition will also be available live and on demand on FEI.TV via ClipMyHorse (subscription required).

General Information

For more information about the 2026 FEI Aachen World Championships, visit their website or the 2026 Aachen FEI page.

◆ Aachen 2026 World Championships E-Newsletter
◆ Aachen Tourism (includes housing and travel information) 

2026 FEI World Endurance Championships

Fans of the seventh FEI sport, endurance, should note that the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships will be in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, on October, 17, 2026. For more information about that competition, visit here. 

But Wait, There’s More!

Aachen 2026 also begins another exciting three-year cycle of top-tier equestrian championships with the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games following. Ticket sales for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Lima 2027 Pan American Games should open soon. (Anyone considering a trip to the Lima Pan Am Games could easily tack on a side excursion to see the historic Machu Picchu site in the Peruvian Andes too. It’s well worth the effort and organized tourism packages are readily available through approved tourism vendors listed on the Games website.)  

But before all of those, to whet the appetite of equestrian fans for international sport here in North America, the Maryland 5* at Fair Hill Three-Day Event happens October 15-19, 2025, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event April 23-26, 2026, and then April 8-12, 2026, the USA will host FEI World Cup Finals for dressage and jumping at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Watch for further updates on all of these competitions, as well as event coverage, on HorseIllustrated.com and in print in Horse Illustrated magazine. 

The post FEI 2026 Aachen World Championships Countdown Under One Year To Go With Brisk Ticket Sales  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

For many in the horse world, the first Saturday in May is considered a holiday. For those in horse racing, it can only mean one thing: Kentucky Derby Day. It’s the race that every person in the racing industry dreams of winning, and for horse people, it’s probably the race that everyday people in your life reach out to ask which horse is your pick. And if you don’t have a Derby horse yet, don’t worry—we’re taking a look at every horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby so you can have your pick by the time you’ve finished reading.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Field

The exciting part about the Kentucky Derby—or any horse race, for that matter—is that any horse that leaves the starting gate can win. The favorite may seem like the obvious pick, but the post-time favorite has not won the Run for the Roses since eventual Triple Crown winner Justify in 2018. In fact, the odds of the official Kentucky Derby winner in the six runnings since 2018 has averaged 35.85-to-1.

Let’s take a look at each horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, organized by post position and listed with their morning line odds. With rain in the forecast for Saturday, there are also notes about each horse’s sloppy track aptitude.

1. Citizen Bull (20-1)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,451,000

Last year’s Champion Two-Year-Old Male after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), Citizen Bull has not quite replicated his two-year-old form. Though he started the year with a romp in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3), he finished fourth of five last out in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in a race won by morning line favorite Journalism. The rail position is not doing him any favors, either. He seems like a horse that wants the lead to himself, but such a position is not so easy to obtain in the Derby. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the most talented in the field, but he does not seem to have matured on the same level as others in this field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Citizen Bull has only raced on a fast track, but he is a son of leading sire Into Mischief, who has had many offspring succeed on a wet track.

2. Neoequos (30-1)
Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Jockey: Luis Saez
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $291,050

Likely to go off at high odds on Saturday, Neoequos has twice been defeated by fellow contender Sovereignty. He’s a horse that appears to want a shorter distance, having been caught in both of his lifetime races over one mile. The 1 ¼-mile distance of the Derby does not seem to be one where he will thrive.

Sloppy Track Potential: Neoequos won his first start of the year on a sloppy track, so track conditions shouldn’t be an issue for him.

3. Final Gambit (30-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luan Machado
Race Record: 4 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $520,639

A last out winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), which is contested on a synthetic surface, Final Gambit has never made a start on traditional dirt. He’s also faced lesser company than most competitors here, and though he stepped it up in the Jeff Ruby, this is still a big jump in class for him.

Sloppy Track Potential: Having only run on synthetic and turf surfaces, dirt will be an entirely new racing experience for Final Gambit—let alone a sloppy track. However, his sire, Not This Time, achieved the biggest win of his career on a muddy track—at Churchill Downs no less.

4. Rodriguez: SCRATCHED

5. American Promise (30-1)
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Race Record: 9 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $444,874

It took American Promise six tries to break his maiden and though he was a runaway winner of the black-type Virginia Derby last out, he was off the board in his two starts against graded stakes company. Long shots have thrived in recent runnings of the Kentucky Derby, but this one would be a surprise.

Sloppy Track Potential: American Promise broke his maiden on a muddy track, but earlier in his career, one of his worst-ever efforts came over a sloppy track.

6. Admire Daytona (30-1)
Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $672,047

One of two Japanese-based runners, Admire Daytona narrowly won the UAE Derby (G2) in his last start after leading throughout. He’s yet another that will be fighting for the lead, so he will need to be able to handle the pace pressure. Admire Daytona has proven to have some fight in him, though, and he’ll need to use that weapon in the Derby.

Sloppy Track Potential: Admire Daytona’s racing debut was contested on a muddy track, in which he finished fourth. It seems as though the slop will neither help nor harm his chances.

7. Luxor Cafe (15-1)
Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $379,057

A son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Luxor Cafe is the strongest of the two Japanese contenders. Winner of his last four starts, including a runaway win in the Fukuryu Stakes, Luxor Cafe has posted some of the most impressive speed figures of this field. This is the toughest competition he’ll have faced, but he certainly has talent.

Sloppy Track Potential: In his second-ever start, Luxor Cafe was only a neck away from winning on a muddy track.

8. Journalism (3-1)
Trainer: Mike McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Race Record: 5 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $638,880

Meet Journalism, the morning line favorite for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. He has won four straight races, including the Santa Anita Derby (G1) last out, and has some of the best speed figures in the group. It’s tough to find a knock against him, though an obvious point is that he has been facing small fields—which certainly won’t be the case in the Derby. But on ability alone, Journalism is a formidable favorite.

Sloppy Track Potential: Journalism has only raced on a fast track, which could be a concern for the Derby favorite on a sloppy track. However, his sire Curlin won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on a very sloppy track in one of his best lifetime performances.

9. Burnham Square (12-1)
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $977,755

Burnham Square was the game winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) in his final Kentucky Derby prep, in which he overcame a poor trip. This bodes well for the traffic troubles most horses face in the Derby. From a speed figure perspective, he’ll need to step it up a bit, but he could be worth a look.

Sloppy Track Potential: Another horse that has only ever experienced fast tracks, Burnham Square’s pedigree does not provide much insight into how he may fare in the mud.

10. Grande: SCRATCHED

11. Flying Mohawk (30-1)
Trainer: Whit Beckman
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $295,800

Flying Mohawk was most recently second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks behind Final Gambit and, like that rival, Flying Mohawk has never raced on traditional dirt. He also has only faced company weaker than most of this field, and his speed figures don’t match up. This colt is likely to go off at very high odds.

Sloppy Track Potential: This will be Flying Mohawk’s first dirt start, let alone his first contest on a sloppy track. And with a primarily turf pedigree, it’s difficult to assume his wet track aptitude based on bloodlines.

12. East Avenue (20-1)
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $654,395

As a two-year-old, East Avenue looked like a top prospect until a lackluster performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He’s never quite returned to his original form, the closest being his narrow second-place finish last out in the Blue Grass Stakes. It would require a huge jump in effort from East Avenue to cross the wire first.

Sloppy Track Potential: East Avenue has only ever raced on fast tracks, but offspring of Medaglia d’Oro typically don’t mind the mud.

13. Publisher (30-1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race Record: 7 starts: 0 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds
Career Earnings: $407,756

Yes, it’s true—Publisher has never even won a race. Second behind Sandman in the Arkansas Derby (G1) last time, that was one of only two times the son of American Pharoah finished better than third. He’s training well, but this is a huge ask.

Sloppy Track Potential: Again, Publisher has never won a race, but he did finish a decent third on a sloppy track as a two-year-old.

14. Tiztastic (20-1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Race Record: 8 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,549,800

The more accomplished trainee of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, Tiztastic is entering the Kentucky Derby off a win in the Louisiana Derby (G2). However, he has not been the most consistent horse, with his last win prior to that coming as far back as the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes last September. In the losses between those victories, he’s finished behind many rivals here, including Sovereignty, Sandman, and Coal Battle. He does seem to thrive with distance, though, and his off-the-pace running style may best fit the makeup of this field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Tiztastic has no sloppy track experience, and his pedigree provides little insight as to how he may like it.

15. Render Judgment (30-1)
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Race Record: 7 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $250,672

Though trained by last year’s winning conditioner in Kenny McPeek, Render Judgment has not won a race since breaking his maiden in October 2024. That race did come over the Churchill Downs surface, but he has faltered against several rivals here and has never hit the board in graded stakes company. He will likely go into the starting gate with some of the highest odds in the field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Since Render Judgment is another horse that has only experienced fast tracks, if you want to look to his pedigree, offspring of his sire Blame generally don’t mind sloppy tracks.

16. Coal Battle (30-1)
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Jockey: Juan Vargas
Race Record: 8 starts: 5 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,188,875

If you love an underdog, Coal Battle will be easy to root for. His trainer, Lonnie Briley, is 72 years old and had never even run a horse in a graded stakes until Coal Battle won the Rebel Stakes (G2). Next out, Coal Battle was a distant third in the Arkansas Derby behind Sandman and Publisher. For the most part, he has not faced the level of competition he’ll be running against here, either. But if you’re looking for a good story, look no further.

Sloppy Track Potential: Coal Battle has two wins over wet tracks, so rain could be to his advantage.

17. Sandman (6-1)
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Race Record: 8 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,254,595

A last out winner of the Arkansas Derby, Sandman’s closing style may fit this pace-heavy race. Though it is worrisome that he has lost all three of his starts over the Churchill Downs oval, Sandman seems like he may be piecing things together.

Sloppy Track Potential: Sandman has only raced on fast tracks, so a sloppy track would be a toss-up for him. However, being by Tapit and out of a Distorted Humor mare won’t hurt him.

18. Sovereignty (5-1)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $572,800

Most recently second in the Florida Derby (G1), Sovereignty seems like a horse that may appreciate the added distance of the Kentucky Derby. He did romp in a graded stakes at Churchill as a two-year-old, so he clearly likes the surface. He does have the second lowest odds on the morning line despite not being overly accomplished, but he could be worth a play.

Sloppy Track Potential: Yet another horse that hasn’t faced a wet track, Sovereignty is, however, a son of Into Mischief—which should help his sloppy track chances.

19. Chunk of Gold (30-1)
Trainer: Ethan West
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Race Record: 4 starts: 1 win, 3 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $348,818

Although Chunk of Gold has never finished worse than second, he has also only won a maiden special weight. Though second in both the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby, he was not a threat to the winner in either race. He’s certainly another underdog if that’s your angle.

Sloppy Track Potential: Like most, Chunk of Gold would be making his wet track debut. However, his full sister, Band of Gold, is a stakes winner over a sloppy track.

20. Owen Almighty (30-1)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Race Record: 7 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $499,935

Owen Almighty faded to sixth behind Burnham Square and East Avenue in the Blue Grass Stakes last out, which is not an encouraging entry into the Kentucky Derby. He does have success at Churchill Downs, but it would take a lifetime best effort to win here.

Sloppy Track Potential: Since Owen Almighty has never raced on a sloppy track, the only hints you can get are from his pedigree. Both of his parents were winners on muddy or sloppy tracks.

21. Baeza (12-1)
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Race Record: 4 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $148,500

Despite requiring a scratch to draw into the field (which the scratch of Rodriguez has allowed him to do), Baeza has lower morning line odds than most of the others. After all, he was a game second behind morning line favorite Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby. This a wide draw to overcome, but he is of course a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch.

Sloppy Track Potential: Based in Southern California, Baeza has not faced a sloppy track before. But Belmont Stakes-winning brother Dornoch won the Remsen Stakes (G2) on a muddy track and stakes-placed sister Gunning won two races on muddy or sloppy surfaces.

The post 2025 Kentucky Derby: Make Your Pick appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Kentucky skies were finally blessed with bright sunshine all day for the conclusion of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L. With two rails in hand for the show jumping phase, Michael Jung (GER) and Fischerchipmunk FRH dropped only one to finish on a score of 25.0, granting Jung a record fifth Kentucky 5* win—the others came in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.

Always modest and soft-spoken, Jung refused to tout his obvious and spectacular talent.

“It’s definitely luck,” he said afterward. “So many things can go wrong. I believe in my horse and this place, and I always have a lot of luck here. We had a pole down very early and had a long way to go. I gave him more balance it worked very well.”

Asked about his 17-year-old horse’s future, Jung was very positive.

“He’s looking super strong and getting better and better. Hopefully he stays like this, ears in front when cross-country starts. He loves jumping, and you can feel the horse is motivated in what he’s doing. Hopefully a few more years!”

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Finishing in second after a double-clear round on a score of 32.8 was Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3. His other two 5* mounts, Fedarman B and Luke 140, finished in sixth and seventh, respectively. As the highest-place rider for the U.S., Martin was named USEF 5* National Champion for a fourth time.

“I’m very blessed at the moment to have a group of incredible horses,”said Martin. “Michael [Jung] is an inspiration to my riding; I watch videos and try to copy him in my riding. He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest-ever eventing riders. I was just hoping for second place.”

For a little background on Commando 3, Martin told an interesting story of how he found him.

“I tried him when I went to a friend of [Jung’s] in Germany to try another horse and liked the other horse, who turned out to be a lemon! Six months later, [Commando] was still for sale. He hasn’t been easy—he’s spooky and sharp, but he has amazing quality and plenty of Thoroughbred and I knew right from the get-go that he was a special horse. He took a while to get there, but he’s arrived now.”

Finishing in third and fourth was Harry Meade of Great Britain, finishing on a 34.2 with Et Hop du Matz and 39.6 on Grafennacht.

“The horses here have been brilliant,” said Mead. “It’s a wonderful feeling when they go well. It’s really about the pride you feel in the horses.”

He wrapped the press conference with some very kind words about Jung, calling him the greatest eventing rider that ever lived—a statement that is indeed hard to refute for someone with four Olympic gold medals (three as an individual), three World Championship gold medals, and seven European Championship gold medals.

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

In the 4* division, Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record dropped one rail but stayed in the lead, finishing on a score of 33.0. He won the 4* here last year, too.

“[The rail down] made me think a little more about the time allowed, but I stuck to my plan,” said Coleman. “He kept the last three jumps up—I got a bit lucky there. He’s always displayed a real knack for cross-country; that’s why we kept going with him. He’s not the most natural in the other two phases. He has his own style; his character is what makes him a good horse. He has a conscience about him, trying to do the right thing, especially in competition.”

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Finishing in second place was Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante, who wrapped the day on a score of 33.9. Dutton also finished in fourth with Denim on a 38.8.

“We all earmark this event early in the year,” said Dutton. “It’s a relief to be sitting up here and have a good result. It’s ironic, my best jumper is Denim!”

Rounding out the top three was Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Freedom GS, her Paris 2024 Olympic mount. The pair went double clear around the tricky show jumping course and finished on a 38.0.

“It’s been an amazing spring season,” she said. “I came away from Paris feeling I needed to get the horses stronger and get more confident with where I need to sit with my body type. [Freedom] has always been strong in the jumping phases, but I’ve had to work more with her dressage. It’s pure joy to go out with her and see the fruits of our hard work all winter.”

Join us again next year for more coverage of “The Best Weekend All Year!”

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Final Results

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (25.0)
2. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (32.8)
3. Harry Meade (GBR) and Et Hop du Matz (34.2)
4. Harry Meade (GBR) and Grafennacht (39.6)
5. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (40.6)
6. Boyd Martin (USA) and Fedarman B (40.6)
7. Boyd Martin (USA) and Luke 140 (44.7)
8. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (50.9)
9. James Alliston (USA) and Karma (50.9)
9. James Alliston (USA) and Karma (50.9)
10. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34 (53.1)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Final Results

1. Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record (33.0)
2. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (33.9)
3. Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Freedom GS (38.0)
4. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (38.8)
5. Allison Springer (USA) and No May Moon (40.4)
6. Mia Farley (USA) and Invictus (42.9)
7. James Alliston (USA) and Nemesis (44.3)
8. Tamie Smith (USA) and Kynan (46.0)
9. Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz (48.2)
9. Jan Byyny (USA) and Beautiful Storm (49.9)

Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Recap and Results appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Stay up to date on the action from the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find information about the event, including a recap from each day of the competition below, and follow links to the full stories.

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Recap & Results

Kentucky skies were finally blessed with bright sunshine all day for the conclusion of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L. With two rails in hand for the show jumping phase, Michael Jung (GER) and Fischerchipmunk FRH dropped only one to finish on a score of 25.0, granting Jung a record fifth Kentucky 5* win—the others came in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day

After a day of deluges on Friday, cross-country day dawned dry, gray, and very cold for late April, with a “feels like” temperature of 45 degrees that persisted all day. The ground was still holding a lot of water, which turned out to be very deep and tiring for the horses, with scads of time penalties in both the 4* and 5* divisions.

Reigning Paris Olympic Champion and four-time winner of this event, Michael Jung (GER) rode his Paris mount, FischerChipmunk FRH, to an exceptionally fast round, with just 2.4 time penalties to stay in a comfortable lead. In fact, he has now set a 5* record for biggest lead margins after dressage and cross-country.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two

Under threatening skies that provided on and off downpours and even some lightning, nobody could catch Germany’s Michael Jung on the second day of dressage at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.

It was the last rider to go, Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3 who bore the brunt of a downpour that had held off for the rest of the 5* riders—yet he scored the best mark of the day from the judges, a 26.0, putting them into second place going into cross-country day.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day One

Day one of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L kicked off today at the Kentucky Horse Park in picturesque Lexington, Ky. with the first day of dressage tests. Under mostly cloudy skies—apart from a handful of short-lived, light rain showers—many of the top horses and riders in the world took to Rolex Stadium for the first phase of the event.

A Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event dressage record was broken when reigning Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH effortlessly danced across the ring to score a remarkably low 18.6.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: An Impressive List of Entries

Six of the world’s top 12 eventing riders, including World #1 Tom McEwen (GBR) and World #2 Tim Price (NZL), head an impressive list of entries for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The event will feature 11 Olympians and athletes from seven countries when it returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Read more >>

Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ to Serve as US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier

This year’s Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S will serve as a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier when the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the world-renowned event, is thrilled to welcome back Cosequin® as the Title Sponsor of the Four Star competition.

Read more >>

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

After a day of deluges on Friday, cross-country day dawned dry, gray, and very cold for late April, with a “feels like” temperature of 45 degrees that persisted all day. The ground was still holding a lot of water, which turned out to be very deep and tiring for the horses, with scads of time penalties in both the 4* and 5* divisions.

Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L

Reigning Paris Olympic Champion and four-time winner of this event, Michael Jung (GER) rode his Paris mount, FischerChipmunk FRH, to an exceptionally fast round, with just 2.4 time penalties to stay in a comfortable lead. In fact, he has now set a 5* record for biggest lead margins after dressage and cross-country.

“I had a super ride,” said Jung at the press conference after cross-country. “He’s an amazing horse in the cross-country—he’s full of energy with very big strides, very honest. I can trust him. We get better together. We’re still learning, but a great partnership is very important for the cross-country. He felt a bit tired some places. I knew I was behind the time, but he kept galloping to the end of the course. He was really fit.”

Holding on to second place with 6.8 time penalties was Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3, one of his three mounts in the 5* division. Always one to provide entertainment, Martin spoke at the press conference with his baby on his lap (who didn’t want to stay in the back with Mom), and his older son briefly joined them on the stage as well.

“It was a bloody tiring day, every ride I was huffing and puffing!” said Martin. “I went quick on [Commando]—he’s young and fit and gave me a great round, but the ground was a bit tiring.”

Harry Meade of Great Britain made an eye-popping climb up the leaderboard with the day’s only two double-clear rides (no jumping or time penalties), moving from 17th to third with ET Hop du Matz and 18th to fourth with Grafennacht. Meade is ranked No. 4 in the world eventing standings.

“I was confident they were fit,” he said. “I thought I’d get out there and see how they felt. The first horse [ET Hop du Matz] I know really well, and hoped he’d be a good 5* horse. He’s very adjustable and has a long stride. The mare, Grafennacht, I don’t know as well; I had this spring to get to know her and wasn’t thinking about coming here. Then she won an event by 24 points, so it was a no-brainer to bring her here. I was disappointed with her dressage test; she got a bit tight in the atmosphere—it was her first time in [a big crowd]. I was questioning whether to run her [cross-country] at 11:30 or 12 today, then thought I’d just start out and see how she goes.” Apparently, the answer was VERY well!

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Course designer Derek di Grazia was pleased with the safety of the course this year.

“You never know at the beginning the day what’s going to happen,” he said. “You hope it’s going to provide a good competition. I’m happy every horse walked home—there were only two rider falls in the 4* and one in the 5* class—beyond that, there were some great rides that were really enjoyable to watch. Their time management is so good; at the end they are right where they need to be. We had lots of little runouts here and there all over the course, but it provided a good competition.”

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

Holding first place aboard Off the Record with the least time penalties in the division (7.2) was Olympic veteran and defending Kentucky 4* champion, Will Coleman (USA). Optimum time was 6 minutes and 37 seconds, compared to the 5*-L division at 11 minutes and 20 seconds.

“The roping and way the [jumps] were strung together made it tough to get the speed needed for time allowed,” he said. “It wasn’t surprising at all that nobody got close to it.”

As far as how his mount handled the course, he gives him all the credit it the world.

“When you have an older horse and they come out inspired to do it, it’s a rewarding feeling. I have nothing but admiration for that horse.”

Remaining in second and third with Possante (10.4 time penalties) and Denim (11.6 time penalties), respectively, was Phillip Dutton (USA).

“I feel a bit relieved,” he laughed. “It was a lot of hard work. I tried to have a crack at it. They both tried hard and will come out of it better.”

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Climbing from 14th to fourth with just 8 time penalties was Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix.

“Freedom GS is pure class,” she said of her mount. “She’s a fun horse to ride cross-country. She looks for the flags. The way they roped it, she was fast and efficient. She was pretty green when we took her to the Olympics. The first time she did the 4* was last season, but she was unaffected by the crowds. At Paris [2024 Olympic Games] it would’ve been nice to have one more year of experience under her belt, because this year she feels so confident.”

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s show jumping phase to see who takes tops the final standings in both prestigious divisions.

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Cross-Country

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (21.0)
2. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (32.8)
3. Harry Meade (GBR) and Et Hop du Matz (34.2)
4. Harry Meade (GBR) and Grafennacht (35.2)
5. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (36.6)
6. Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo (40.0)
7. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (41.7)
8. Boyd Martin (USA) and Luke 140 (44.7)
9. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34 (49.1)
10. Emily Hamel (USA) and Corvett (49.4)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Standings After Cross-Country

1. Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record (29.0)
2. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (33.5)
3. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (37.2)
4. Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Freedom GS (38.0)
5. Allison Springer (USA) and No May Moon (40.4)
6. Mia Farley (USA) and Invictus (42.9)
=7. Alexander O’Neal (USA) and Redtail Penumbra (43.4)
=7. Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz (43.4)
9. James Alliston (USA) and Nemesis (44.3)
10. Dana Cooke (CAN) and FE Quatro (45.1)

For complete dressage scores and updates about the event, visit www.kentuckythreedayevent.com.

Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

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