“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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Jung has four Olympic gold medals and four Kentucky 5* titles. He continued his almost super-human roll by breaking his own record yesterday with an all-time event low score of 18.6 in the dressage aboard FischerChipmunk FRH, his individual gold medal-winning 2024 Paris Olympics mount.

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.

“I glanced up at the skies in the warmup, and it wasn’t looking good,” said Martin at the press conference after his ride. “It was like a Louisiana typhoon!”

Admitting weather is something eventers have no control over, he thought the rain may have actually helped the horse keep his head low, even if it was an added distraction. When asked how he felt after his ride, he said, “Relieved that I could put some dry underwear on!”

All three of Martin’s 5* mounts had excellent scores below 30 (Luke 140 with 27.9 for sixth place, and Fedarman B with 29.8 for eleventh).

“I’ve been working hard with their dressage,” he said. “To have three horses in the 20s been a huge amount of work—not just for me, but my wife [dressage rider Silva Martin], who rides them when I’m away.”

In third place after a strong ride today going into cross-country was Great Britain’s Tom McEwen, who rode Brookfield Quality to a 26.2. McEwen won Olympic team gold medals at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

Kentucky first-timer Libussa Lübbeke (GER) finished fourth after dressage on Caramia 34 with a score of 27.1 on Friday.

“The horse is bred by my parents,” she said. “It was wonderful to ride in that arena. She was listening and trying her best.”

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

Sitting in the lead in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S after dressage is Will Coleman (USA) riding Off the Record, who scored a 21.8—a new Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S record.

“He’s at the tail end of his career at 16 years old,” said Coleman after the day wrapped. “He’s kind of like me—he thrives on progress and trying to get a little bit better. He still has remarkable work ethic and has proven to be a very trainable horse, even at this ‘old dog’ age.”

Coleman plans to see how he feels after this weekend with the possibility of targeting a 5* in the future.

In both second and third place after two days of dressage is Phillip Dutton (USA), who rode Possante today to a 23.1 and Denim yesterday to a 25.6.

“[Possante is] a pretty stunning horse to have,” said Dutton. “There’s not too much to do in the dressage; he does it all for me. I was pleased with the way he settled during the last few minutes of the warmup. He took a deep breath and held it all together. He has tons of potential for years to come.”

In fourth place going into cross-country is Chris Talley (USA) riding FE Marco Polo. The pair scored a 26.8, placing them above dozens of more experienced riders. Talley gives all the credit to this special horse.

“My horse is 9,” said Talley. “His owner sent him to me just over two years ago. He went from Training to 4* in just over a year. He’s incredibly special, [and also] kind of emotional like me. This is his first time at Kentucky, [although] I came in 2019. There’s a little bit of pressure with him being young. I was hoping he’d reward me, and he did. I wasn’t expecting to be sitting up here!”

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

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (18.6)
2. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (26.0)
3. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (26.2)
4. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34 (27.1)
5. Tim Price (NZL) and Falco (27.8 )
6. Boyd Martin (USA) and Luke 140 (27.9)
=7. Clarke Johnstone (NZL) and Menlo Park (28.4)
=7. Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo (28.4)
9. Tim Price (NZL) and Happy Boy (29.1)
10. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (29.3)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Standings After Dressage

1. Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record (21.8)
2. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (23.1)
3. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (25.6)
4. Chris Talley (USA) and FE Marco Polo (26.8)
5. Ariel Grald (USA) and Diara (27.3)
6. Molly Duda (USA) and Disco Traveler (27.7)
7. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (27.9)
8. Will Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (28.0)
9. Dana Cooke (CAN) and FE Quatro (28.3)
10. Sarah Kuhn (USA) and Mr. Cash van de Start (28.4)

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.

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

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. In doing so, Jung eclipsed his own standing record from 2022.

“I’m very happy to be here again,” Jung said. “I really love this place, this show. . . I had a great feeling with FischerChipmunk. Everything went well; I’m super happy.”

New Zealand riders rounded out the rest of the top four. Tied for second after the first dressage session are Clarke Johnstone (NZL) aboard Menlo Park, and Tim Price (NZL) aboard Jarillo. Both scored a 28.4.

“It’s been a very long time that I was here at the World Championships in 2010 and I’ve really wanted to come back,” Johnstone said. “It’s really the most beautiful setting and people are all so welcoming and wonderful. It’s great to be back here after all these years.”

Price, currently second in the world, also sits fourth with 13-year-old KWPN gelding Happy Boy. One of the last horses to go Thursday, Happy Boy and Price landed a 29.1 to give Price two horses in the top four so far.

“It was a good day with my two horses,” Price said. “Happy Boy tried really hard; same for [Jarillo]. We really want them to come and do their best and show what they’re capable of doing.”

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2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Dressage Day One

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (18.6)
=2. Clarke Johnstone (NZL) and Menlo Park (28.4)
=2. Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo (28.4)
4. Tim Price (NZL) and Happy Boy (29.1)
5. Boyd Martin (USA) and Fedarman B (29.8)
6. Jonelle Price (NZL) and Hiarado (30.0)
7. Calvin Böckmann (GER) and Phantom of the Opera (30.2)
8. Sharon White (USA) and Claus 63 (32.3)
9. Jennie Brannigan (USA) and FE Lifestyle (34.0)
10. Harry Meade (GBR) and Et Hop du Matz (34.2)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Standings After Dressage Day One

During the first half of the day, Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S competitors took to the dressage ring under beautiful, sunny morning skies. The competitive field of horses and riders, featuring several Olympians, did not disappoint. After the first day of dressage, these are the current standings in the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S:

1. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (25.6)
2. Molly Duda (USA) and Disco Traveler (27.7)
3. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (27.9)
4. William Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (28.0)
5. Robin Walker (USA) and SBT Barolo (29.8)
6. Alexandra Knowles (USA) and Morswood (30.3)
7. Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr (USA) and Cooley Candyman (31.3)
8. Hannah Sue Hollberg (USA) and Carsonstown (31.7)
=9. Allison Springer (USA) and No May Moon (32.8)
=9. Olivia Dutton (USA) and Sea of Clouds (32.8)

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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: Dressage Day One appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

After a long wait, accompanied by much speculation and a final dramatic turn, the official equestrian sports venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28) was finally announced by the International Olympic Committee and LA28 Organizing Committee today. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., will be the site of Olympic equestrian action for all three sports (dressage, eventing and show jumping), and likely also for the para-dressage during the 2028 Paralympics. The LA28 Olympic Games are slated for July 14-30, 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games August 15 to August 27, 2028.

Arcadia is located in Los Angeles County about 13 miles (21 km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley and at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Santa Anita Park, a prestigious Thoroughbred racetrack, also hosted equestrian sports during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.  

“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” said Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) President Ingmar De Vos. “The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”

The Santa Anita property covers 320 acres (about 129.5 hectares) and already has grandstands that can hold 26,000 people, in addition to a park-like infield which can accommodate approximately 50,000 more. Sixty-one existing barns at the facility can house up to 2,000 horses, far more than needed for the Olympics and Paralympics.  

Unlike 1984, when the eventing cross-country was held off site on a then-brand-new golf course, for LA28 the cross-country course is planned to be staged on ground surrounding the racetrack. This will necessitate the construction of a new cross-country track.  

The announcement of the selection of Santa Anita came to big surprise to the owners of Galway Downs (Temecula, Calif.), and local and state officials who supported Galway Downs, as the previously nominated and expected venue for LA28 equestrian sports. As recently as March 28, the Los Angeles City Council had voted to accept Galway Downs as the venue.  

Two weeks later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the LA28 Organizing Committee announced the selection of Santa Anita instead. They notified Galway Downs representatives on April 11 that they were no longer in consideration as an Olympic venue before announcing the new venue selection on April 15. 

Galway Downs owner Ken Smith issued this statement after being notified, “We are extremely surprised that we were suddenly removed from consideration. We don’t understand how, based on the March 28 City Council’s vote of approval, that this could happen. When we started this process more than four years ago, we understood the equestrian venue selection for LA28 would be a highly competitive, evolving process. Being selected as the proposed equestrian venue put Galway Downs and Temecula Valley on the world stage. We’re very proud of that, and we’re just getting started. Galway Downs will continue to host elite national and international competitions as well as additional sporting events.” 

When the 2028 Olympics were awarded to Los Angeles, the first venue for equestrian sports put forward was Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, but that would have required an entirely new equestrian sports facility be built. In June 2024, plans to use Sepulveda for LA28 equestrian sports were abandoned in favor of Galway Downs. A few other facilities were also considered briefly.  

The LA28 equestrian venue will have big shoes to fill after the splendor of the Palace of Versailles as a backdrop for the 2024 Paris Olympics equestrian sports. But, Santa Anita has sunshine, palm trees and the eye-catching San Gabriel Mountains as scenery, as well as a long history of legendary racehorses like Seabiscuit and Zenyatta—plus Hollywood movie stars attending races and investing in the track. It certainly fits the bill for iconic horse sports in the land of stars.

More Information on the LA28 Olympics

◆ LA 2028 Official Site 

◆ Ticket Information

◆ FEI Olympic Games Page

◆ IOC LA 2028 Page

This article is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Santa Anita Park Officially Announced as LA28 Olympics Equestrian Venue appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“It is exciting to see the support and collaboration from the U.S. Eventing CCI4*-S Organizers around the country, and we thank them for their participation in the US Equestrian Open Eventing Series,” said USEF Managing Director of Eventing, Amber Braun. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the top of our sport to a broader audience. The Open also marks an unprecedented amount of prize money available to athletes in the U.S. competing at the CCI4* level, which shows further investment into the future of our sport. Morven Park and their team share our vision and excitement for the potential of this series and the venue offers a world-class CCI4*-L cross-country course to create an exciting finals experience.”

The following locations will host qualifying events for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing. This list may be subject to updates throughout the Qualifying Period.
*Pending final confirmation. 

2024 Competitions:

◆ Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials CCI-4*-S: October 10-13

◆ Bouckaert Equestrian Horse Trials International CCI4*-S: October 25-27

◆ The Event at Terranova CCI4*-S: November 11-13

2025 Competitions:

◆ Bouckaert Equestrian Horse Trials International CCI4*-S: March 6-9

◆ Carolina International CCI4*-S: March 13-16

◆ The Event at Terranova CCI4*-S: March 27-30

◆ Stable View Spring  CCI4*-S: April 4-6

◆ Twin Rivers Spring International CCI4*-S: April 10-13

◆ Ocala International Festival of Eventing CCI4*: April 17- 20

◆ *Cosequin Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4*-S: April 23-27

◆ Tryon International Three-Day Event CCI4*-S: May 7-11

◆ Aspen Farm Horse Trials CCI4*-S: June 12-15

◆ The Maryland International CCI4*-S: July 3- July7

◆ The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S: July 16-20

◆ Bouckaert Equestrian Horse Trials International CCI4*-S: August 29-31

◆ The Fork at Tryon CCI4*: September 11-14

◆ Plantation Field International CCI4*-S: September 18-21

◆ Twin Rivers Fall International CCI4*-S: September 19-21

◆ Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*S: September 24-28

◆ Woodside Fall International CCI4*-S: October 3-5

◆ US Equestrian Open of Eventing FINAL – Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials CCI4*-L: October 9-12

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series will award $50,000 in prize money to the three-highest placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period.  $200,000 in prize money will be distributed at the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final in 2025.

To learn more about the US Equestrian Open of Eventing specifications and qualifying requirements, click here.

— Edited Press Release | Source: US Equestrian

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