Photo by Wirestock/Adobe Stock

Do you have your Derby horse yet? If not, join us as we take a look at each horse in the 2026 Kentucky Derby field so that you can confidently make your pick. Listed below is an overview of each horse entered to run in this year’s Run for the Roses (in post position order), along with quick information regarding their connections, morning line odds, and race record.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Field

1. Renegade (4-1)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Owner: Robert Low, Lawana Low, and Repole Stable
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,031,500

Although Renegade is the morning-line favorite, the rail is just about the last post position anyone could want for a field as big as the Kentucky Derby. Runaway winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1) last out, Renegade seems to have blossomed into an immensely talented 3-year-old. As long as he gets a smooth break and doesn’t have too much traffic trouble with his rail post, he has the right running style for the Derby and certainly has the talent to best this field. But he will have a lot to overcome with this post position.

2. Albus (30-1)
Trainer: Riley Mott
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Owner: Pin Oak Stud LLC
Race Record: 4 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $436,288

The Derby may appear to be a big leap for Albus, but that’s nothing new for him, as he won the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) just after breaking his maiden in impressive fashion. He also is versatile about his running style, which is a huge advantage in a race like the Derby where things may play out entirely different than your average race. This will obviously require Albus’s best effort yet, but he may be worth a look as your long shot.

3. Intrepido (50-1)
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
Owner: Dutch Girl Holdings LLC and Irving Ventures LLC
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $342,800

Intrepido hasn’t won a race since the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) as a 2-year-old last October; in fact the only time he’s finished in the money was two starts back with a second-place finish in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3). It would be quite the surprise if this colt managed a big run in the Derby.

4. Litmus Test (30-1)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Owner: SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, Stonestreet Stables, LLC, et. al.
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $477,688

Another horse that hasn’t won since he was a 2-year-old, Litmus Test was a distant seventh last out in the Arkansas Derby (G1) against several of these rivals. This is another horse that would be quite the upset.

5. Right to Party: SCRATCHED

6. Commandment (6-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luis Saez
Owner: Wathnan Racing
Race Record: 5 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,017,339

Commandment has some of the lowest morning-line odds in the field for good reason. The son of Into Mischief has won four straight races, including the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) and Florida Derby (G1). He also already has a win over the Churchill Downs surface, and has a flexible running style that should benefit him in the Derby. Commandment may be the most dangerous horse in the race.

7. Danon Bourbon (20-1)
Trainer: Manabu Ikezoe
Jockey: Atsuya Nishimura
Owner: Danox Co. Ltd.
Race Record: 3 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $222,762

One of two Japanese horses in the Derby, Danon Bourbon is undefeated in three starts — which he’s won by a combined 18 1/2 lengths. It’s always a significant ask for an international horse to overcome the hurdles of traveling this far and running on a new surface — and in a new direction, for that matter. However, Japan came very close to winning this race with Forever Young in 2024, a horse that has continued to prove his prowess on United States soil. It’s quite the unknown if Danon Bourbon is anywhere near Forever Young’s level, but he’s clearly talented and deserves the chance to prove himself.

8. So Happy (15-1)
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Jockey: Mike Smith
Owner: Norman Stables LLC and Saints or Sinners
Race Record: 4 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $480,000

Winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G1), So Happy seems like the strongest threat from California. He turned in a career-best speed figure in that effort, and if he runs to that level, that puts him with the best of them here. He has some questions to answer, but So Happy is certainly worth a look.

9. The Puma: SCRATCHED

10. Wonder Dean (30-1)
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Owner: Yoshinari Yamamoto
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $770,541

The other Japanese horse in the race, Wonder Dean enters here off a strong win in the UAE Derby (G2). He’s not been quite as dominant as Danon Bourbon, but he has traveled internationally (and raced counter-clockwise) and won. One thing is for sure about Wonder Dean: the 1 1/4-mile distance won’t be an issue.

11. Incredibolt (20-1)
Trainer: Riley Mott
Jockey: Jaime Torres
Owner: Pin Oak Stud LLC
Race Record: 5 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $498,681

A 4-length winner of the Virginia Derby in his most recent start, Incredibolt won two races at Churchill Downs as a 2-year-old, including the Street Sense Stakes (G3). However, his speed figures are quite a bit lower than most other horses here, so it would require Incredibolt’s strongest effort yet so surpass this field.

12. Chief Wallabee (8-1)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Owner: Mike Ball and Katherine Ball
Race Record: 3 starts: 1 win, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $216,600

Chief Wallabee has caught the attention of many with his morning training, appearing to be rounding into top form. Though he has only won at the maiden level, he’s never been more than a half-length behind the winner — an impressive feat considering his only two other races are the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) and Florida Derby (G1). However, he finished behind Commandment in both, so it would be impressive for him to get around that colt.

13. Silent Tactic: SCRATCHED

14. Potente (20-1)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Juan Hernandez
Owner: Speedway Stables LLC
Race Record: 3 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $262,000

Though Potente won the San Felipe Stakes (G2) two back, he was swallowed up in the stretch of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) by So Happy. He may be bred for the distance, but does he want it?

15. Emerging Market (15-1)
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Race Record: 2 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $618,880

Although he’s only raced twice, Emerging Market has won both of those starts, including the Louisiana Derby (G2). Without a doubt, he has the pedigree to get the Derby distance, is training remarkably well, and he has talent. That said, the Kentucky Derby against 19 of the other best 3-year-olds in the country is a big ask for a horse in just his third start.

16. Pavlovian (30-1)
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
Owner: Reddam Racing LLC
Race Record: 10 starts: 2 wins, 4 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $613,450

Pavlovian may be by far the most experienced horse in the field with 10 starts, but he has won only once and has primarily raced against state-bred company. He has no graded stakes wins to his credit  — though he was just a head behind when second in the Louisiana Derby (G2) behind Emerging Market. Pavlovian appears to be outclassed on paper.

17. Six Speed (50-1)
Trainer: Bhupat Seemar
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Owner: Brunetti Dugan Stables, Black Type Thoroughbreds, Steve Adkisson, Swinbank Stables
Race Record: 5 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $402,183

Dubai-based Six Speed was soundly defeated by Wonder Dean in the UAE Derby (G2), though he himself had been a strong group stakes winner prior to then. That loss also came after a bit of time off, but Six Speed would be a huge upset here.

18. Further Ado (6-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: John Velazquez
Owner: Spendthrift Farm LLC
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,146,328

An impressive 11-length winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) last out, Further Ado is no stranger to a romp. He broke his maiden at Keeneland by an incredible 20 lengths as a 2-year-old, just before winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs. Like his stablemate Commandment, Further Ado is one of the most formidable horses in the Derby.

19. Golden Tempo (30-1)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Owner: Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable
Race Record: 4 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $333,000

Golden Tempo enters here off two losses — most recently third in the Louisiana Derby (G2) behind Emerging Market and Pavlovian — but he was previously the winner of the Lecomte Stakes (G3). His speed figures are quite lower than most rivals here, and he looks likely to go off at pretty high odds.

20. Fulleffort: SCRATCHED

21. Great White (50-1)
Trainer: John Ennis
Jockey: Alex Achard
Owner: Three Chimneys Farm and John Ennis
Race Record: 4 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $202,495

Despite enough scratches to draw in, Great White will likely go off as one of the longest shots in the field. He was a distant fifth behind Further Ado in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1), and has otherwise not faced the strongest competition.

22. Ocelli (50-1)
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman
Jockey: Joe Ramos
Owner: Ashley Durr, Anthony Tate and Front Page Equestrian, LLC
Race Record: 6 starts: 0 wins, 1 second, 3 thirds
Career Earnings: $109,800

Because of two scratches, Ocelli has also made it into the field, but he’s likely to see extremely high odds. The colt has never won a race in six starts, and has lost to several of the Derby runners.

23. Robusta (50-1)
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Jockey: Cristian Torres
Owner: Calumet Farm
Race Record: 5 starts: 1 win, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $83,500

Robusta was a soundly defeated seventh in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). He’s drawn in with the third scratch, but it’s unlikely for him to make much of a dent.

Let us know in the comments here, or on Facebook (Horse Illustrated) or Instagram (@horseillustrated) who your 2026 Kentucky Derby pick is! Click here to subscribe to Horse Illustrated.

The post 2026 Kentucky Derby: Make Your Pick appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Racing Shetlands

Before Donna began race reporting, she carved out a jockey career that spanned 12 years and 1,130 wins. In the 1990s, she regularly rode for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, piloting numerous stakes winners. Although she retired in 1998, Donna is still one of the top female jockeys of all time in purse earnings, at $18 million.

Growing up in Chester, W. Va., Donna’s first “races” were ridden bareback on Shetland ponies against her little brother Jerry and older sister Leah. The pasture where the ponies lived served as their track.

“At some point, we would end up in a race,” she recalls. “I think the ponies’ goal was to get into the woods, and the first one that could jump a log while going under a low-hanging branch and get rid of us won.”

The three Barton siblings, who would all later become jockeys, did what came naturally: ride at speed. Horse racing is part of Donna’s family’s DNA. Patti Barton, Donna’s mother, was one of the first six licensed female jockeys in the United States. Patti raced from 1969 until 1984, amassing just over 1,200 wins.

Donna is married to Frank Brothers, a retired Thoroughbred racehorse trainer who won two of the three Triple Crown races in 1991 with the colt Hansel. The couple splits their time between Louisville, Ky., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., with their dogs Molly and Jackson.

Juggling a mic and race program in front of the cameras while galloping on a horse is no easy feat. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Race Day Reporting

In the three months leading up to the Triple Crown or Breeders’ Cup, Donna spends six to eight hours a day on her computer.

“I’m reading articles, researching horses, and watching races,” says Donna. “[I’m] reading about those races beforehand, and reading the comments after.”

On race day, she multitasks.

“I’m riding a horse, and I’m trying to make sure that the horse and I don’t part ways,” she says. “And at the [Kentucky] Derby, there’s people on the outside fence who are banging on the fence, because they’re excited that the Derby’s running. That could spook my horse. So I’m paying attention to my horse and what my horse is paying attention to, and I’m listening to the call of the race in my ear … I’m listening to see who’s in the lead. I’m listening to see how fast they went in the first quarter [mile], how fast they went to [the] half.”

Donna Barton Brothers is instantly recognized by equestrians as she interviews winning jockeys after the biggest races in the country. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Despite being on the track, positioned behind the starting gate, Donna can’t see the races from her saddle’s vantage point. Once the gate’s latch is sprung, she gallops behind the field. In longer races, she gallops away from the field.

“In a race like the Kentucky Derby where the distance is a mile and a quarter, that wouldn’t give me enough time to get to them,” she explains. “I’ll wait until they spring the latch, and then I take off galloping [in] the opposite direction. So I’m going around the turn that’s going to be their second turn, headed in the opposite direction. And then I’ll get to about the half-mile pole and stop and let the field run by me. And I get a glimpse of the field. Then I take off galloping again down the backstretch, so that I’m in position to interview them after the race.

“For the most part, I have no idea where the winning horse came from, unless it was in the lead the whole way,” she continues. “At first, I saw that as a liability, because I’m going to interview the winning rider, and I don’t know anything about their ride. Then I realized that unless the horse is in the lead the whole way, 90 percent of our viewers also have no idea where that horse came from. It puts me in a position to be able to say to the rider, ‘It looked like your horse didn’t get away from the gate cleanly. Can you tell me about your trip from the start of the race?’ It allows the rider to tell us about the trip.”

Donna rides past the scenic mountains at Santa Anita during the Breeders’ Cup Championships. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Triple Crown History

In 2015, Donna covered the Belmont Stakes when American Pharoah and Victor Espinoza ended horse racing’s 37-year Triple Crown drought. When the bay colt crossed the finish line to cacophonous celebration, Donna kept her emotions in check.

The next day, she called her brother and sister and discovered they’d both watched the race from their respective homes with tears in their eyes. Donna reflected on the magnitude of the winning moment and captured the emotion of the moment by writing an essay for the New York Times entitled “Holding Back Tears After American Pharoah’s Triple Crown.”

Just three years later, Donna witnessed history again when Justify won the Triple Crown in 2018. She recalls her first impression of the chestnut colt.

“As soon as he walked out of the barn, I thought I was looking at a Greek Adonis of a horse. He was just a magnificent specimen, and I thought, ‘This horse is going to win the Kentucky Derby.’” When Justify clinched the Triple Crown title, Donna was elated for jockey Mike Smith.

“He had paid his dues, and he is a good, good person, and he’s a great rider.”

Donna’s last interview question with Smith was almost never asked. The cameras were about to switch to winning trainer Bob Baffert, but Donna insisted on one more question.

“My last question was, ‘Mike, we talked some months ago, and I asked you about how you felt about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and you told me that you didn’t really feel like you deserved it at the time. Do you feel like you deserve it now?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I feel like I belong now.’ That was special. It was nice to see him come full circle on his accomplishments, and he had such a deep appreciation for the horse that if I hadn’t asked that question, he wouldn’t have taken a second to look back on what he had done.”

Donna and Mike Smith’s historic exchange is now part of a reel at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

A Close Call

Coming up with insightful on-the-spot reporting is part of what has made Brothers a staple on race day. Photo courtesy Donna Barton Brothers

Donna remembers one race at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., as “a little too exciting.”

“As soon as the [starting gate’s] latch was sprung, a horse dropped its rider,” she says. “So I turn up the backside, and the outrider’s standing there, and he knew full well there was a loose horse. Now I have to stay out of his way, and he’s on the outside. The BATCAM [a camera mounted to a wire that runs along the backstretch] is going to come running toward me when the field comes toward me, and Sherman, the horse I was riding, doesn’t like the BATCAM. He spooks at it every time.

“The field is running toward me on the inside fence, and the loose horse is running toward us in the middle of the racetrack,” she continues. “We had to run directly under the BATCAM, as it was headed straight for us—that was the only place I could avoid the outrider, the loose horse, and the field.”

Donna cued to the gelding that they needed to dart directly under the aerial camera. Sherman rose to the occasion, and the two ran directly under it. She continued commentating, making her job look effortless once again.

Follow Donna on Facebook @BartonBrothers or Instagram @brothers.donna.

This article about Donna Barton Brothers appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Donna Barton Brothers: Reporting from the Finish Line appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Another day of brilliant sun made for a lovely picture as the 23 riders remaining in the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* division attempted to keep the poles up. The time was very doable, with eight pairs jumping double clear.  

It came down to a nail-biter indeed, with 2024’s CCI4*-winning pair, Will Coleman (USA) and 14-year-old Hosteiner gelding Diabolo adding just 0.8 time faults during their show jumping round to guarantee no worse than second on a 28.1.  

Overnight leader Monica Spencer (NZL) and the 15-year-old New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred gelding Artist were sitting on a 22.3, with one rail and some time in hand. But it was not to be their day; in the end, three very expensive rails down knocked them to seventh place, ensuring the first Kentucky 5* win for an American since Tamie Smith in 2023. (The winner receives $130,000, while seventh place receives $10,000.) 

“This is the event that every American eventing rider wants to win,” said Coleman. “It’s my favorite place to ride in the whole world. I’ve dreamed about it, but now that it’s here, it feels surreal. I’m blessed to ride this horse and have the people who made this possible for someone like me—my family, the owners, coaches. So many people have been a part of this horse’s journey.” 

Will Coleman and Diabolo clear the final jump of the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Mary Cage

Coleman became just the second rider to have won both the Cosequin Lexington CCI4* and Defender Kentucky CCI5* — the first having been Tamie Smith earlier in the day when she won the CCI4*. But having won the CCI4* with Diabolo previously, he became the first rider to win both divisions on the same horse.

“It is a surreal feeling, something I think we all dream about,” Coleman said. It’s one of the hardest things to do — certainly one of the hardest in equestrian sport. I sort of feel like we all deserve the win … Today I feel extremely lucky.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo on their victory lap. Photo by Mary Cage

Moving up from third to second was another American rider, Caroline Pamukcu, on 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding HSH Blake. They went double-clear to finish on a score of 28.6. The pair previously competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 36th individually.  

“Blake today really helped me a lot — all the kudos goes to him,” Pamukcu said. “He’s such a special horse and really made up everywhere that I lacked.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake had a double-clear round. Photo by Mary Cage

British rider David Doel moved from fourth to third, also with a double-clear round, riding 15-year-old KWPN gelding Galileo Nieuwmoed (sounds like “new mood”). This horse was primed for such a performance, having finished on the podium twice in his 12 previous CCI5* events on both sides of the Atlantic.  

“It’s been absolutely magic,” Doel reflected. “I’m very lucky; I’ve got a very cool horse. As a team we came together, learned from past mistakes. He gave me a super ride all three days.”

David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed moved up into third after a double-clear round in the show jumping phase. Photo by Mary Cage

Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S 

In the final phase of the CCI4*, overnight leader Tamie Smith (USA) entered the arena aboard Lillet 3 with a rail and some time cushion in hand, but as it turned out, she didn’t need it. Smith was the only rider to make the show jumping optimum time out of 31 horses in the division, keeping a cool head under pressure—not surprising, given her history in the CCI5*. 

Speaking on the optimum time in the final phase, Smith said, “It didn’t seem achievable, but [Lillet] is so cool. She’s so fast.” 

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 on their way to the CCI4* win. Photo by Mary Cage

This also moves Smith into the lead of the recently launched US Equestrian Open standings, which offers $1 million in prize money across a series of annual events.  

“It’s new to our country; I went into it thinking I might have a shot,” she said. “You just hope that it goes your way.” 

It’s now just a matter of waiting 361 days until the start of 2027’s “Best Weekend All Year.” We’ll see you there! 

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Final Results

1. William Coleman (USA) and Diabolo (28.1)
2. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (28.6)
3. David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed (30.8)
4. Tim Price (NZL) and Vitali (33.0)
5. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (33.1)
6. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (34.2)
7. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (36.7)
8. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (37.7)
9. Emily Hamel (USA) and Corvett (40.9)
10. Sophia Hill (AUS) and Humble Glory (41.1)

2026 Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Final Results

1. Tamie Smith (USA) and Lillet 3 (31.3)
2. Will Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (37.4)
3. Mia Farley (USA) and Invictus (38.3)
4. Sharon White (USA) and Claus 63 (41.3)
5. Will Coleman (USA) and Fahrenheit Addict (43.3)
6. Isabelle Bosley (USA) and Conner (44.8)
7. Isabelle Cook (GBR) and Cymoon “F” Z (48.1)
8. Sydney Elliott (USA) and QC Diamantaire (48.7)
9. Dan Kreitl (USA) and Carmango (49.2)
10. Lauren Nicholson (USA) and Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold (50.0)

Find all of our coverage on our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Results and Recap: Will Coleman & Diabolo Win for USA appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Under idyllic sunny skies with firm ground after a cloudy morning, the 11:05 optimum time turned out to be a challenge to make over Derek di Grazia’s CCI5*-L cross-country course. On the best day of “The Best Weekend All Year,” four horses out of 29 starters made the time with double-clear rounds. 

One of those was Monica Spencer (NZL) aboard the 15-year-old New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred, Artist (aka “Max”). This horse pulls off a rare feat indeed for a Thoroughbred, combining spectacular movement and suspension that put him on top after the dressage phase with an enormous, ground-gobbling racehorse stride on the cross-country course.  

“He felt good; he has such a great gallop that allows me to take my time at the jumps,” said Spencer. When asked about her horse’s chances at winning after all is said and done in the show jumping phase tomorrow, she added, “I’m just happy to be where I am on day two—but the podium’s the dream, so we’ll try to stay there!” 

Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist went double-clear over the cross-country course to head to show jumping on their dressage score. Photo by Mary Cage

In second place going into the final phase is Will Coleman (USA) on the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding Diabolo, who had one of the other rare double-clear rounds of the day, moving them up from fifth after dressage. Diabolo is famously known as Coleman’s wife Katie’s favorite horse in the barn, where she pampers him with a pint of blueberries in his feed every day.  

“I thought [Diabolo] was just sensational. I thought he was magical today. It was his first go at this level and I was just overjoyed with him.” Coleman said. Reflecting on how the course rode, he added, “I thought it was a very challenging track when I walked it. I thought the time would be hard enough to get. Everything to me rode as I envisioned it. I thought the horses were having a hard time reading the coffin. It was very hard to get the horses to settle on the line.”

Will Coleman (USA) and Diabolo were one of the few horse-and-rider pairs to go double-clear. Photo by Mary Cage

In third after a nail-biting wait to see if a devastating penalty for hitting a flag would be taken off following the final ride of the day was Caroline Pamukcu (USA) on HSH Blake. Looking full of run, the horse notched just two time penalties. Thanks to having her flag penalty challenge vindicated, Pamukcu moved up one slot from fourth after dressage. She is such a fan of this eye-catching 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding that she named her firstborn daughter Blake after the horse! 

“Blake is, like, my best friend so it’s just great to go out again around another five star,” Pamukcu said. “He was amazing. He was perfect even when I wasn’t.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake moved into third after a strong run on cross-country. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed showed an impressive leap from 12th to fourth place after spotting the very first double-clear round of the day.  

Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S 

In the CCI4*, 42 pairs set out on course, with a much shorter 6-minute optimum time. It must have been a big ask, however, as none of the pairs made the time, even with the perfect weather and firm footing. 

Notching the fewest time faults with just 1.6, Tamra Smith (USA) and Lillet 3 moved up from 3rd into the lead. Smith retired her mount Danito, who was in first after dressage, after some unfortunate difficulty at fence 10C. 

“[Lillet 3] went out and it was like being on a little race car. I had a great time,” Smith said. When asked about how the mare handled the course, Smith continued to praise her. “She was super and answered all the questions great. She has such an elegance about her.”

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 came away with the lead after cross-country. Photo by Jen Emig/MacMillan Photography

Moving up from seventh to second after cross-country were Will Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified after they added a relatively small 4.4 time penalties to their score.  

Rounding out the Saturday podium, Mia Farley (USA) and Invictus leapt from 11th to third under the difficult optimum time, adding just 5.6 penalties. 

Join us tomorrow to see who can keep the poles in the cups to take home the big checks! 

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Cross-Country

1. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (22.3)
2. Will Coleman (USA) and Diabolo (27.3)
3. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (28.6)
4. David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed (30.8)
5. Tim Price (NZL) and Vitali (31.8)
6. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (33.1)
7. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (34.2)
8. Harry Meade (GBR) and Superstition (36.2)
9. Sophia Hill (AUS) and Humble Glory (37.1)
10. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (37.7)

2026 Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Standings After Cross-Country

1. Tamie Smith (USA) and Lillet 3 (31.3)
2. Will Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (35.8)
3. Mia Farley (USA) and Invictus (37.9)
4. Dan Kreitl (USA) and Carmango (38.4)
5. Sharon White (USA) and Claus 63 (40.1)
6. Katie Lichten (USA) and Hickstead Musterd (40.4)
7. Will Coleman (USA) and Fahrenheit Addict (41.7)
8. Isabelle Cook (GBR) and Cymoon “F” Z (42.5)
9. Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Fluorescent Adolescent (43.5)
10. Isabelle Bosley (USA) and Conner (44.0)

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

Find all of our coverage on our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The warm temperatures and mostly sunny skies continued on day two of dressage at the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Though the weather remained largely the same, the tests in the ring caused some big shake-ups on the leaderboard. Most notably, Monica Spencer (NZL) aboard the New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred Artist marked a 22.3, breaking into the top ten dressage scores ever posted at the Kentucky Three-Day Event — just one year after Michael Jung set a new record of 18.6.

“‘Max’ was super today — had good energy on the test,” Spencer said. “I’m really pleased with him.”

Now 15, Monica has had “Max” since he was four. She spoke to the stereotype surrounding Thoroughbreds in eventing, and why Max is the right mount for her.

“In cross-country, it’s always nice to be on a fast horse. In the dressage, I’m lucky with Max that he’s a beautiful mover and he’s always been very trainable,” Spencer said. “I enjoy riding him in the dressage and I have had a few good Thoroughbreds over the years that have been good at dressage … I am particularly lucky with the way Max moves; he’s quite an expressive horse for a Thoroughbred. He likes to throw his front hooves around and he did that today.”

Monica Spencer and Artist gained the lead with a beautiful 22.3. Photo by Mary Cage

Just barely behind Spencer with a 22.6, World #4 eventing rider Tim Price — previously third overall with Global Quest on the first day of dressage — dazzled the judges with 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding Vitali. Price now enters cross-country day with two horses in the top ten.

“I was really happy with him,” Price said. “He’s such a great craftsman and he’s got such a great body and mind for the job.”

Tim Price and Vitali sit narrowly behind Monica Spencer, scoring a 22.6. Photo by Mary Cage

Top-five finisher in the last three editions of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, including two runner-up finishes, Tom McEwen broke into the top three after dressage with a 25.1 aboard the 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Brookfield Quality. McEwen and Brookfield Quality finished fifth in this event last year, and look poised for another top finish.

“I’m delighted with ‘Norris’ as usual,” McEwen said. “He does everything he can and formed another pretty much foot-perfect, sort of “clear round” like we call it. So delighted — thought we put everything out there and he couldn’t have given me more so I’m thrilled.”

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality look to continue McEwen’s streak of top finishes at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Mary Cage

The final horse-and-rider pair to go, Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake continued the trend of changing the leaderboard. With a 26.6, Pamukcu secured a place in fourth going into cross-country, pushing previous leader Will Coleman (USA, with Diabolo) into fifth.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake prove their partnership with a 26.6. Photo by Mary Cage

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

While Tamie Smith held onto her early lead in the 4* with Thursday’s 27.0 aboard Danito, this division saw several changes to its leaderboard as well. Fan-favorite duo Sharon White (USA) and Claus 63 moved into second with a beautiful 28.1, and Smith added another horse into a top spot when she scored a 29.7 with Lillet 3. This score tied her for third with young rider Elizabeth Barratt (GBR) riding Ride For Thais Chaman Dumontceau, also a 29.7.

“I’m really thrilled with Claus today,” White said. “He was very relaxed and very mature and well within himself. We’ve been working on that our whole partnership, so I feel like at 14-years-young now, he’s finally coming into his own. I’m super excited about the rest of the weekend. The [cross-country] track looks amazing. As always here, there’s a lot to do, but it looks like something to go get, so excited for that.”

Sharon White celebrates a great test aboard Claus 63. Photo by Mary Cage

Stay tuned tomorrow for cross-country day in both divisions.

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Dressage

1. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (22.3)
2. Tim Price (NZL) and Vitali (22.6)
3. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (25.1)
4. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (26.6)
5. Will Coleman (USA) and Diabolo (27.3)
6. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (28.1)
7. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (28.2)
8. Harry Meade (GBR) and Grafennacht (28.9)
9. Tim Price (NZL) and Global Quest (29.8)
10. Harry Meade (GBR) and Superstition (30.2)

2026 Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S Standings After Dressage

1. Tamie Smith (USA) and Danito (27.0)
2. Sharon  White (USA) and Claus 63 (28.1)
=3. Elizabeth Barratt (GBR) and Ride For Thais Chaman Dumontceau (29.7)
=3. Tamie Smith (USA) and Lillet 3 (29.7)
5. Alyssa Phillips (USA) and Rockett 19 (30.1)
6. Molly Duda (USA) and Carlingfords Hes a Clover (31.1)
=7. Will Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (32.0)
=7. Tommy Greengard (USA) and That’s Me Z (31.4)
9. Dan Kreitl (USA) and Carmango (32.0)
10. Ema Klugman (AUS) and RF Redfern (32.1)

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

Find all of our coverage on our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

It’s looking like it will be four days of warm, possibly even hot, sun this year at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian. Always a nice change from driving rain and a brief return to winter!

With half of the CCI5*-L dressage tests in the books Thursday, the current leader is William Coleman (USA) with Diabolo, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding. The pair presented a smooth and lovely test that stuck on top of today’s leaderboard with a penalty score of 27.3 (72.69%).

“The first time you do a five-star at a place like this, in this kind of atmosphere, you’re never totally sure how your horse is going to cope,” said Coleman. “He got a little excited when he got up here to the ring. Even in my final warm-ups, I didn’t feel like I totally had him, but to his credit, he went in there and really stayed with me and did his job as best he could. I can’t be anything but proud of him — I just really, really adore this horse.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo, early leaders of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L after the first day of dressage. Photo by Mary Cage

In second for the day is Phillip Dutton (USA) on Possante, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding, with a 28.1. Dutton is a former winner of this event and a seven-time Olympic veteran with a penchant for accurate and high-scoring dressage tests, so it’s never a surprise to see him at the top of the pack here in Kentucky.

“Dressage comes reasonably easy for the horse, so it’s more a case of keeping it in,” said Dutton after his ride.

Phillip Dutton and Possante scored a 28.1 Photo by Mary Cage

Third overall today on a 29.8 is Tim Price of New Zealand on Global Quest, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse. Price is the World #4 ranked eventing rider and finished in second at this event in 2021 and third in 2019.

Tim Price and Global Quest were an early top score with a 29.8. Photo by Mary Cage

Today’s fourth place rider is World #1, Harry Meade of Great Britain, and 17-year-old BHHS gelding Superstition with a 30.2. This seasoned rider has overcome some intense injuries to shine at the top of the sport, which is always great to see.

Rounding out today’s top five on a score of 30.7 is crowd favorite and World #2 Boyd Martin (USA) with Cooley Nutcracker, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding.

In the CCI4*-S division, pairs looking for a shorter cross-country course on Saturday to perhaps prepare their horses for an eventual step up to a CCI5*-L, 22 pairs competed in the dressage ring on Thursday morning. Tamie Smith (USA), the 2023 CCI5* winner, topped the leaderboard on Danito, a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding, with a 27.0 in this division after the first day of dressage.

Tamie Smith and Danito, leaders in the CCI4*-S after the first day of dressage. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Stay tuned tomorrow for the second half of the dressage rides in both divisions.

2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Dressage Day One

1. Will Coleman (USA) and Diabolo (27.3)
2. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (28.1)
3. Tim Price (NZL) and Global Quest (29.8)
4. Harry Meade (GBR) and Superstition (30.2)
5. Boyd Martin (USA) and Cooley Nutcracker (30.7)
6. David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed (30.8)
7. Karen O’Neal (USA) and Clooney 14 (33.1)
8. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Tolan King (33.5)
9. Mary Bess Davis (USA) and Imperio Magic (33.9)
10. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and She’s the One (35.1)

2026 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Standings After Dressage Day One

1. Tamie Smith (USA) and Danito (27.0)
2. Tommy Greengard (USA) and That’s Me Z (31.4)
3. Dan Kreitl (USA) and Carmango (32.0)
4. Tamie Smith (USA) and Kynan (33.0)
5. Lauren Nicholson (USA) and Landmark’s Jungle Gold (33.2)
6. Will Coleman (USA) and Fahrenheit Addict (33.3)
7. Katie Lichten (USA) and Hickstead Musterd (33.6)
8. Elisa Wallace (USA) and Lissavorra Quality (34.5)
9. Laine Ashker (USA) and Lovedance (34.8)
10. James Alliston (USA) and HMR Rolan (35.1)

Find all of our coverage on our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day One appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Lexington, Ky. — The first horse inspection was blessedly drama free as all 29 horses presented to the ground jury at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) will be moving on to the first phase of competition, the dressage. Under blue skies and the occasional gust of wind, the competitors in the CCI5*-L competition put their best and most fashionable foot forward as they demonstrated their horses’ fitness to begin the competition.

No horses were held for re-inspection, all passed at first presentation.

Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Mary Cage

The Event is produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level. EEI is dedicated to creating opportunities for riders, horses, and equine organizations while advancing the United States’ strength and competitiveness on the international stage.

K3DE features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. K3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas, and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts over 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of entertainment activities. Additionally, K3DE features the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S, a U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Series qualifying event, and the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Dressage kicks off Thursday morning with the CCI4*-S in the morning, followed by the CCI5*-L in the afternoon. Four of the top six riders in the world are competing for the top prize this weekend, including World #1 Harry Meade of Great Britain, who will be competing on Superstition and Grafennacht, World #2 Boyd Martin from the USA who also brings forward two mounts, Cooley Nutcracker and Commando 3, World #4 Tim Price from New Zealand, also with two horses, Global Quest and Vitali, and World #6, Tom McEwen of Great Britain with Brookfield Quality.

— Edited Press Release | Source: Kentucky Three-Day Event

Find all of our coverage on our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: All Horses Pass First Horse Inspection appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

When you practice at home with distracting obstacle additions, you’ll help prepare your horse for anything he may see in a judged event.

Photo by Becky Ruehle/Ruehle Photographix

What to Expect

Trainer Nancy Nemmers keeps her trail course changing so that her horses see new additions and distractions during each ride. When it comes to the poles, she practices at home with tree trimmings lining the path and even places a tarp under the poles—all to help her mount be aware of his hoof placement and stay willing to move forward, even with distraction.

“A lot of poles in competition have cut-off stumps and brush; they may [also] have a real tree placed around the logs,” she says. “That’s something horses will look at and may be leery about approaching. There also isn’t a set distance between the poles. So, as you’re riding, you have to focus and tell your horse where to place his feet. These are all different from typical show-trail classes.”

Nemmers says it’s important to practice with different pole setups and to practice your horsemanship at home. When you know that your horse will pick up his feet and cross any obstacle, you’ll feel confident when being judged.

“Your horse won’t always have a chance to look at the obstacles before a competition,” Nemmers says. “It’s important to work your horse with different obstacles and create that trust that you can cross anything together.”

Pole Presentation 

Nemmers has a full trail course at her training facility in Longmont, Colo. She says she moves the course obstacles around at least every two weeks—presenting new scenes and placements so the horses don’t get used to the course. If the family trims a tree or does yard work, she drags the big branches and brush to decorate her pole placements. After the holidays, old Christmas trees line the poles or serve as a pole to drag.

“You can use anything you have,” says Nemmers. “If your horse doesn’t have shoes on, you can put a tarp under the poles. That tarp makes a sound and gives your horse something different to look at around the poles. The horse may flutter when they hear that sound. You must keep encouraging him to look forward and make him move forward.”

The distance of the poles is at the discretion of the show committee. Practice at home with the logs spaced differently, and not always measured precisely as you may do for other types of practice.

The distance of the poles is at the discretion of the show committee. Practice at home with the logs spaced differently. Photo by Heidi Melocco

The Forward Position 

“Once your horse places that first foot on the tarp or over the poles, you’re going to encourage him to move on and take the next step,” Nemmers says. “If you let up and give him a chance to notice more and resist, he may take the ‘out.’”

Placing a tarp under the poles gives the horse something different to look at. Keep your reining hand forward and look where you want your horse to go. Photo by Heidi Melocco

To encourage your horse to move forward, Nemmers says to move your upper body slightly forward and keep your legs gently pressed on the horse’s ribcage to keep him balanced and engaged. Nemmers says she pulses her legs and feet on the horse’s sides as she looks forward. Your body position and leg cues combined will encourage your horse forward.

Nemmers recommends that you look ahead and know where you want your horse to go next. As you approach the poles, you may be able to ride straight forward or may need to pick a path through a serpentine or other obstacle that forces you to approach the poles at an angle. Keep your reining hand forward and your horse well-balanced between your legs so that you can guide his path.

Keep your legs gently pressed with your horse balanced between them to encourage forward movement toward a scary obstacle. Photo by Heidi Melocco

With a bigger log, make sure the horse’s leg moves up and over the top without brushing. Keep your hand forward and encourage the horse with your legs.

“It’s difficult for your horse because he’s trying to judge how high he needs to move to get his hind leg over. Once the horse’s first leg is over, encourage and use your cues to move the horse forward. If you stall, it’s hard to get that impulsion back.”

If the horse resists or moves sideways, Nemmers says to pick up your reining hand to get him focused on your leg cues again. If he gets a little bit sideways, think about moving forward and getting back on the tarp or back in the middle of the poles that you need to cross.

If you practice with many course configurations, keep your horse moving forward, and look where you want to go, the horse will continue to move forward over any pole obstacle you’ll see.

This article about pole work in ranch classes appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Maneuvering Poles in Ranch Horse Classes appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo by Gudrun Braun

What we often forget is that we humans send a wide range of signals to the horse with our body language. Body language is the interplay of posture, movement, direction of the gaze, and gestures, in combination with facial expressions. We are often not aware of these nonverbal cues and tend to give them unknowingly.

During groundwork, you must learn to use these cues deliberately. That’s the only way you’ll be able to apply your aids in a manner precise enough for the horse to understand your request and respond willingly.

You shouldn’t underestimate the fact that your moods can be easily detected by your horse. Tone of voice and body language are strongly influenced by stress, unhappiness, restlessness, anger, agitation, and fear. Naturally, these emotions can be mirrored by the horse, with obvious tension or insecurity in response to the aids, and this often results in poor performance of the task at hand.

Therefore, it’s essential that we as equestrians learn to practice self-awareness and self-reflection. When handling a horse, you must remain calm and mentally balanced, and must act controlled and level-headed, even in stressful situations.

Posture

Walk naturally and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly. Photo by Pauline von Hardenberg

◆ During groundwork, you should walk naturally upright and with light tension through your body. A deliberately straight, tense posture is as bad as a lax, sluggish one.

◆ Your head should be carried upright, with eyes forward.

◆ Your shoulders should be set parallel to the direction of travel.

◆ Most of the time, your body should be positioned at a right angle to the horse.

◆ The horse should always maintain a distance of about half an arm’s length from you.

◆ You should walk naturally, with self-confidence, and give a competent, self-assured impression that the horse is drawn to and which he follows respectfully and trustingly.

Keep your body at a right angle to your horse. Keep your head up and your shoulders square to the direction of travel, with the horse about half an arm’s length away. Photo by Pauline von Hardenberg

Movement

◆ Your movements should be smooth and uniform, not hesitant or faltering.

◆ Your pace should clearly match the rhythm of the horse’s gait.

◆ There shouldn’t be any rushing in the movement of your arms or legs.

◆ Especially while you’re walking, your arms need to be kept still; otherwise, they become driving aids.

◆ Your overall appearance to horse and observers alike should radiate self-assuredness and confidence in handling equines.

The Direction of the Gaze

◆ Your eyes should be looking ahead in the direction of travel, not at the ground.

◆ Even on bending lines or over obstacles, always look where you want to go.

◆ Try to avoid looking directly at your horse. Particularly in tense situations, this can make him feel threatened. Only in relaxed situations do horses appreciate direct eye contact.

Look ahead in the direction you want to go. Avoid looking at your horse, as this increases tension. Photo by Gudrun Braun

Gestures

◆ You should avoid unintentional movement of your arms and hands; it unsettles the horse.

◆ Your leading hand should be relaxed and slightly open. Closing it into a fist gives the horse an impression of tension.

◆ The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner and slowly increase in intensity. The horse can tell which direction he’s supposed to go based on your body language. He must be able to understand the application of the aids. The aids should not suddenly startle the horse, and they should always be given with soft pressure at first.

◆ You should only apply specific cues, not create continuous noise.

◆ You should always apply touch precisely—in front of the shoulder joint, on the shoulder, on the back, or on the hindquarters, but never around the head.

◆ You should move only as much as you need to in order to act clearly and consistently, with the necessary inner calm.

The guidance of the lead rope or the whip should always be applied in a controlled manner. Photo by Gudrun Braun

Tarp & Slalom Game

Now you’re ready to try your first ground game! This sample exercise is executed at the walk.

Equipment:

◆ 5 cones

◆ 1 tarp

◆ 3 ground poles for the walk pole section

◆ 1 ground pole for the halt

◆ 11 ground poles for the U-shaped maze

◆ 30 ground pole anchors

Setup:

◆ Weaving section: cones 23 feet (7 meters) apart

◆ U-shaped maze: sides 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters) apart

◆ Walk poles: about 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) apart

How-to:

1. Enter at a walk, leading with the right hand on the left side of the horse.

2. Walk, tracking left, weaving through the cones on the long side.

3. Halt over the pole, and then walk off.

4. Proceed through the U-shaped maze of poles.

5. Change direction across the long diagonal, and then lead the horse over the walk poles.

6. Walk across the tarp.

7. Halt and end the exercise

This excerpt from Ground Games for Horses by Waltraud Böhmke is reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Books and originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Ground Equitation for Equestrians appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

This brings us to one of the most common myths in horsemanship: “Just catch your horse any way you can.” Did you know your session, and its probability for success, actually starts the moment your horse sees you?

By nature, humans are predators while horses are prey animals. All horses—even domesticated ones—are naturally perceptive to people, places, changes, and things.  Horses know the safe place is with the herd, and when startled or bothered, they will fly from fear.

Think about the example I mentioned above of a horse running to greet another horse. This is how I want my horse to respond when he sees me. To create this type of bond, a change needs to take place in us first. In my 50-plus years in the equine industry, I’ve never once met a horse who went out human shopping. We’re the ones who chose them, so the privilege and responsibility lies with us to alter our approach. If someone showed up at your door every day with chocolate, flowers, and genuine kindness—no agenda, no demands—you’d probably start looking forward to seeing them.

Please understand, though, this is not about bribing your horse. This is about walking for a minute in your horse’s horseshoes. It’s your idea to catch your horse to go do _________ (fill in the blank with your desired activity or discipline). But what was your horse doing before you showed up?  Most likely hanging with his friends or in a place he feels safe, like his stall or pasture. Horses are motivated by safety, comfort, and play (in that order). If they don’t feel safe, they aren’t comfortable. And if they don’t feel safe and comfortable, it’s challenging to play or perform well.

In this day and age, time is a precious commodity. We’re often multitasking, squeezing in riding sessions between errands and school pickups or after work. In spite of this, let’s practice the Parelli Principle of “Take the time it takes so it takes less time.” You most likely already realize the importance of pairing your riding sessions with a good physical warmup and cool-down. But, have you considered a mental and emotional warmup and cool-down with your horse?

Here at Parelli, we call this undemanding time, basically the time we do more of what our horses like to do, where they feel safe. Grazing time. Hang out time. Scratches and grooming time. Practice staying intentional, meaningful, and present with your horse.  Invest in what he likes and he will be more apt to offer more of what you like.

Our goal is to teach you how to safely and effectively train your horse at home, so that both you and your horse can have more fun and achieve excellence together—creating a true partnership based on trust and mutual understanding.

I could teach you dozens of ways to catch a horse. But I’d rather teach you how to cause your horse to want to catch you.

Learn more about our digital home-study curriculum, the Levels Program, at Parelli.com.

This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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