“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.

Kimberly, Idaho — For millions of people and families, breast cancer is a fight that touches every part of life. This October, Standlee Premium Western Forage^® is proud to launch its 5th annual breast cancer awareness initiative: Grab & Go^® to Give, a campaign rooted in community, hope, and action. For the first time ever, Standlee’s iconic green Grab & Go bales are turning pink. This is not just a color change, but a symbol of solidarity with those impacted by breast cancer.

The pink bales, featuring limited-edition packaging, have been distributed to retailers across the country, spreading awareness from coast to coast. When you choose a pink Grab & Go bale, you’re not only fueling your animals with the same high-quality forage you’ve always trusted – you’re also fueling the fight against breast cancer.

“Supporting the fight against breast cancer has long been part of who we are at Standlee,” said Jessica Wright, VP of Marketing. “Each year, we are reminded that this battle affects the people standing right beside us, in our own barns, homes, and communities. These pink bales are a reminder that together, we can fight for a future without breast cancer.”

This year’s milestone marks five consecutive years of Standlee’s commitment to the cause. Previous campaigns have spotlighted personal stories of resilience and inspired the equine community nationwide to join in the fight against breast cancer.

Funds from this year’s campaign will support the following organizations:

• Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) – Funding innovative research to prevent and cure breast cancer worldwide.
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) – Providing education, resources, and a supportive community for people affected by breast cancer.
• Riding Beyond – Offering equine-assisted programs that promote healing and empowerment for women facing cancer.
• Rural Gone Urban Foundation – Providing judgment-free grants and financial support to women battling breast cancer, empowering them to make memories and invest in legacies for themselves and their families.
• Horses and Hope – Supporting medically underserved individuals, especially those in the Kentucky horse industry and beyond, through education, screening, and support to help with early detection and care.

Join the movement: every pink Grab & Go bale purchased helps support these organizations and the people they serve. Together, we can stand stronger in the fight to wrap up breast cancer, one bale at a time.

For more information about Standlee’s Grab & Go to Give campaign, visit www.standleeforage.com/promotions/grab-go-give/ or contact marketing@standlee.com.

About Standlee

Standlee puts the health and well-being of the animals you love first by delivering the best nutrition through premium forage and highest-quality animal care products.

Founded in 1981, Standlee has carefully grown and manufactured sun-cured forage to ensure high-quality and consistent nutrition. Their finished products are managed to ensure year-round supply and are delivered to customers by the largest distribution network of forage products in the United States. They provide premium forage in a variety of types and in a wide range of product formats, including pellets, cubes, chopped, and bales. To keep your animals at peak health and performance throughout the year Standlee forage is the perfect nutritional solution for horses, livestock, small animals, and poultry.

Standlee has committed to providing a premium experience when purchasing their products. You can trust it was made with the same dedication as if they are caring for your own animals.

— Edited Press Release

The post Standlee Turns Bales Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“Horse Illustrated is deeply honored to receive these awards, especially first place in the General Excellence category,” said Editor in Chief Holly Caccamise. “Every year we work hard to bring our readers engaging content, and our wonderful stable of freelance writers and photographers are the ones who make this possible. I want to give them a special thanks and recognize all of their hard work over the past year. In addition, getting to learn from the panels that AHP puts together for the conference and share ideas with our peers is always a special annual high point that gives us inspiration to make even better media over the year until the next conference.”

Horse Illustrated captured the following awards out of entries that were submitted by the publication:

◆ 1st place in General Excellence Print Publication circulation 10,000 to 20,000, Editor in Chief Holly Caccamise

◆ 1st place in Editorial Photograph for “Mom’s Milk” by Stacy Pearsall in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 2nd place in Self-Supported Publication Equine Media Service to the Consumer Single Article for “High-Tech Distractions” by Laura Boynton Jobson in the May 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 2nd place in Self-Supported Publication Equine Feature Single Article for “Bringing Back Korean Mounted Archery” by Malene Jensen in the June 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 2nd place in Personal Column Single Article for “Night of Terror” by Courtney Diehl, DVM in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 2nd place in Service to the Horse Industry Single Article for “New Outlook for Orphan Foals” by Cynthia McFarland in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 3rd place in Self-Supported Publication Equine Media Horse Care Single Article for “Treating Tendon Injuries” by Audrey Pavia in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 3rd place in Self-Supported Publication Equine Feature Single Article for “Preserving Przewalski’s Horse” by Audrey Pavia in the May 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ Honorable Mention in Self-Supported Publication Equine Feature Single Article for “Veterinarians in the Military” by Sarah Coleman in the May 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

Freelance contributors can also join AHP as members and submit their own work. This year, two Horse Illustrated contributors received the following honors:

◆ 1st place in Self-Supported Publication Equine Media Service to the Consumer Single Article for “Good Hair Days Start Here” by Elizabeth Moyer in the May 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 2nd place in Association/Organization Publication Equine Media Horse Care Single Article for “Brain Games for Riders” by Kara L. Stewart in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 2nd place in Freelance Writer Personality Profile Single Article for “The Beautiful One” by Kara L. Stewart in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

◆ 3rd place in Freelance Writer Equine Journalism Article for “Training With Positive Reinforcement” by Elizabeth Moyer in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine

Another EG Media title, Western Life Today, and its editor, Abigail Boatwright, took home the following award:

◆ 2nd place in Equine Media Single Issue or Multi-Issue Electronic Publication for the Summer 2024 and Winter 2024 issues of Western Life Today magazine

About EG Media Investments LLC

The EG Media stable of equestrian titles includes Horse Illustrated, Young Rider, and Western Life Today magazines. Other EG Media periodicals include Hobby Farms, Chickens, Cottages & Bungalows, Atomic Ranch, American Farmhouse Style, COINage, and Rock & Gem magazines.

Click here for a complete list of awards won by Horse Illustrated and Young Rider over the years.

The post Horse Illustrated Magazine Recognized for Excellence at 2025 AHP Equine Media Awards appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Return to Freedom (RTF) celebrated Spirit’s birthday on Saturday, May 10, as part of the Opening Day of its 2025 program season (Spirit’s birthday is May 8).

“Spirit” co-director Lorna Cook and one of the film’s animators, Peter Paul (“Moana,” “How to Train Your Dragon”) spoke at the event, which attracted more than 300 fans from across the United States and from Brazil, Canada, Australia, Poland and England and raised funds for the more than 460 rescued wild horses and burros in RTF’s care.

“I was weeping listening to some of their stories,” said Neda DeMayo, founder of RTF, a national nonprofit wild horse and burro advocacy organization. “This movie and this horse have meant so much and been so transformative in so many lives! At one point, as staff led Spirit back up to his pasture, people from all over the world sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to this very special horse who carries their dreams of a free and kind world.”

DreamWorks Animation chose RTF’s sanctuary, headquartered in Santa Barbara County, California, as Spirit’s home following his time as the animators’ model for the 2002 film.

The “Spirit” filmmakers searched for a horse that embodied the characteristics of the iconic wild mustang. They selected Spirit, then called Donner, a young colt born to a stallion and mare captured by the Bureau of Land Management on the Kiger Herd Management Area in Oregon.

The filmmakers chose Spirit because of his beautiful conformation, wide-set eyes, and his thick, wavy and multi-colored mane and tail — a perfect example of genetically and historically rare 15th-century Spanish Barb horses. Animators observed him closely to create a horse character with realistic movements who could communicate without speaking.

In April 2002, after completion of the film, DreamWorks selected as a home for Spirit Return to Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc, Calif. Fans continue to travel from all over the country and all over the world to meet the stallion.

Like the animated film, Spirit continues to inspire many to learn about — and advocate for — the wild horses and burros whose survival on our public lands remains in jeopardy.

For his role as an ambassador for mustangs, the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation inducted Spirit into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame in 2018. RTF opened its American Wild Horse Sanctuary in 1998 on 300 acres among the rolling hills of the Central Coast. There, visitors can experience the diverse herds that represent the American Mustang, including descendants of Padre Kino’sSpanish Mission horses, the Iberian Sorraia-type Sulphur Springs herd, and descendants of the Choctaw Indian ponies that carried the infirm on the Trail of Tears.

RTF offers a variety of other scheduled programs at its Lompoc headquarters as well as a 2,000-acre San Luis Obispo, Calif., satellite location. Programs include tours, photo safaris, Family Day events, as well as special workshops. More information is at returntofreedom.org/visit.

About the Film

DreamWorks Animation’s film Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron is a tale of adventure and friendship about a wild horse (voiced by Matt Damon as a narrator) that cannot be broken. It features a combination of hand-drawn and computer animation. The screenplay was written by a longtime figure in the wild horse community, John Fusco, and directed by Kelly Asbury and Lorna Cook.

“Spirit” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A song from the soundtrack, “Here I Am,” sung by Bryan Adams, was nominated for a Golden Globe. A Netflix spin-off series for children, Spirit: Riding Free ran for eight seasons and earned a Daytime Emmy Award. A feature film based on the series, “Spirit Untamed,” was released in 2021.

About Wild Horses and Burros

At a time when herds of wild horses and burros were fast disappearing on federally managed public lands, an outpouring of support led Congress to unanimously pass the 1971 Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. It provided a measure of protection but failed to set up a real management plan for the future of wild herds. Congress assigned the task of managing wild horses and burros primarily to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The BLM has attempted to control population numbers almost entirely through capture and removal with helicopters — despite the availability of proven, safe and humane fertility control, which could slow herd growth and allow for more humane, on-range management.

In March 2025, the BLM estimated that there were 73,312 wild horses and burros on public lands it manages. Its goal is to reach a BLM-set “Appropriate Management Level” of no more than 25,556 total wild horses and burros across 177 Herd Management Areas in 10 Western states.

A total of 62,534 wild horses and burros now live not on the range but instead warehoused in government facilities at a cost to taxpayers of more than $101 million annually.

About Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation

RTF is a pioneering wild horse advocacy organization that has worked to preserve wild horses and burros through sanctuary, education, conservation and advocacy since 1997. RTF operates the American Wild Horse Sanctuary at two California locations. Since 1999, RTF has modeled the use of fertility control and other solutions there that can be implemented on the range.

— Edited Press Release

The post Return to Freedom Celebrates 30th Birthday of Spirit, Model for Beloved Animated Film ‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’ appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced that it has authorized expenditure of $2,693,312 to fund 16 new projects and 10 continuing projects at 17 universities as well as two career development awards. The 2025 slate of research brings Grayson’s totals since 1940 to more than $44.4 million to underwrite more than 450 projects at 48 universities.

“I’m very proud of Grayson’s commitment to furthering the research and development of projects that affect all horses, no matter their breed or discipline,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson. “We are equally ecstatic that we could offer our two career development awards to this year’s recipients, continuing to cultivate a future for young researchers.”

Below is an alphabetical list by school of the new projects:

Can Smartphone-Based Sensors Provide Reliable And Repeat able Lameness Data   
Melissa King, Colorado State University
This project will test the reliability and repeatability of body-mounted and smartphone IMU sensors with machine learning and computational algorithms in lame and non-lame horses.

Chimeric VP7-VP4 MVA-Vectored Equine Rotavirus Vaccines 
Mariano Carossino, Louisiana State University
In this study novel chimeric vaccinia-vectored vaccines against equine rotavirus A G3 and G14, the leading cause of foal diarrhea, will be designed and evaluated in mice (proof-of-concept) and mares.

Ex Vivo DFTS Adhesion Model To Evaluate Therapies  
Lauren Schnabel, North Carolina State University
This project will advance our understanding and treatment of adhesions that occur in the digital flexor tendon sheath of horses following injury and result in improved prognosis for performance.

Effects Of SGLT2i On Triamcinolone-Induced Equine ID
Teresa Burns, The Ohio State University
This proposal will evaluate the degree to which joint injections with triamcinolone worsen insulin dysregulation in horses with ID and if use of canagliflozin at time of injection mitigates it.

Finite Element Analysis Of SDFT Microdamage
Sushmitha Durgam, The Ohio State University
This proposal will study the multi-scale finite element models (FEM) that predict equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) mechanical behavior that are essential to delineate microdamage mechanisms preceding clinical injury.

A Molecular Study On Hemorrhagic Anovulatory Follicles
Eduardo Gastal, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
This study investigates gene and hormone levels in HAFs, the leading cause of ovulation failure in mares, using a novel technique (Follicle Wall Biopsy-Trinity) to collect multiple follicular samples.

Improving a VapA mRNA Vaccine For R. Equi In Foals
Noah Cohen, Texas A&M University
The aim of this study is to improve the design of a mRNA vaccine for foals to provide stronger, longer immunity against Rhodococcus equi, a leading cause of disease and death in foals worldwide.

Organoid Model For Equine Placentitis Research
Pouya Dini, University of California-Davis
This project’s aim is to develop an in vitro model of equine placentitis to advance the study of this condition, ultimately improving diagnostics, treatments, and pregnancy outcomes.

Genetics Of Cervical Spine Malformations In The Horse
Carrie Finno, University of California-Davis
This study will identify genetic causes for abnormal formation of the cervical spine in horses.

Pharmacokinetics And Efficacy Of Pregabalin In Horses
Heather Knych, University of California-Davis
The study seeks to investigate the behavior of an analgesic agent approved for use in humans for the treatment of persistent pain, as a first step in assessing the utility of this drug for pain control in horses.

Characterization Of Antibodies Against Equine IL-31
Rosanna Marsela, University of Florida
This proposal aims to develop a new treatment for equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) by targeting a key itch mediator, providing an alternative to steroids.

Characterization Of Laminitis Using PET
Dianne McFarlane, University of Florida
This study will validate the use of PET scans for identifying disease pathology and progression in insulin associated laminitis in horses.

Effects Of Inflammatory Cytokines On MSC Homing
John Peroni, University of Georgia
This study will investigate how mesenchymal stem cells traffic to injuries after delivery to the bloodstream to inform the best time to deliver cells relative to initial injury in future animal models.

Racehorse Stride Changes And Workload During Training
Peta Hitchens, University of Melbourne
By determining whether the workload and changes in stride characteristics associated with injury during racing are also present during training, this project may identify injuries prior to race day.

Synthetic Proteoglycan Replacement For Osteoarthritis
Kyla Ortved, University of Pennsylvania
This proposal seeks to establish a new class of injectable, cartilage-penetrating compounds made from synthetic polyelectrolytes that replace proteoglycans that are critically lost in osteoarthritis.

Wearable Biometric Sensor Development
American Association of Equine Practitioners
Provide funding for the epidemiological work associated with the data gathered through the field testing of the selected biomechanical sensors.

Career Development Awards

The Storm Cat Career Development Award, inaugurated in 2006, grants $20,000 to an individual considering a career in equine research. This year, Grayson awarded Dr. Erica Secor, Cornell University.

Dr. Secor is a class of 2013 graduate from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and is attending Cornell as a Ph.D. student. Dr. Secor is an equine surgeon whose knowledge is growing readily under the supervision of Dr. Heidi Reesink, a former Storm Cat Award winner.

The proposed study, defining the immune cell populations present in naturally occurring equine Osteoarthritis and the response to intra-articular therapeutics, expands on the limited knowledge regarding immune cell populations within equine joints with osteoarthritis.

The Elaine and Bertram Klein Career Development Award was first awarded in 2015 and grants $20,000 to a prospective equine researcher. This year’s recipient is Dr. Shannon Connard, North Carolina State University.

After Dr. Connard received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 from the University of Georgia, she went on to pursue an internship at Louisiana State University followed by a large animal internship and residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Through this, Dr. Connard achieved board certification with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2023. She is a postdoctoral fellow / Ph.D. candidate in the Comparative Medicine and Translational Research Training Program at North Carolina State University. Dr. Connard’s current research is dedicated to the advancement of regenerative therapies for equine musculoskeletal injuries.

Dr. Connard’s project, harnessing stem cells licensing to enhance tendon healing, aims to further the understanding of intralesional mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in treating equine tendon injuries, under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Schnabel.

Details on the new projects are available at the following link here.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation’s leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1940, Grayson has provided nearly $44.4 million to underwrite more than 450 projects at 48 universities. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.

— Edited Press Release

The post Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Approves Funding for 2025 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Lexington, Ky. —

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, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

McEwen, a two-time British Olympic team gold medalist and current World #1, has his sights set on the top of the Kentucky podium after finishing second in both 2023 and 2024 with his talented mount, JL Dublin. “Dubs” will be making his return for the third consecutive year alongside McEwen’s other entry, Brookfield Quality.

Also vying for the win are international veterans Tim Price, World #2, and his wife, Jonelle Price, who were the first husband-and-wife team to represent New Zealand at the Olympics. They were teammates on three consecutive teams (2016, 2021, 2024). Jonelle also rode on the Olympic team in 2012. They are joined at Kentucky by World #7 Harry Meade (GBR); World #10 Boyd Martin (USA), a four-time Olympian; World #11 Lara De Liedekerke-Meier (BEL), a two-time Olympian; and World #12 Michael Jung (GER), a four-time Olympian and four-time Kentucky champion. Jung is entered with his 2024 Olympic Gold Medal partner, fischerChipmunk FRH, who helped him secure his fourth victory in Kentucky in 2022. Jung also won at Kentucky in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

In addition to Martin, the star-studded U.S. contingent includes 2016 Olympian Lauren Nicholson, 2024 Olympian Caroline Pamukcu, and seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, whose horses are entered in the Cosequin® Lexington 4*. Dutton won the Kentucky title in 2008.

Other Olympians entered to compete include two-time Olympic veteran Clarke Johnstone of New Zealand and three-time Olympic veteran Jessica Phoenix of Canada.

The full list of CCI5*-L entries can be found here.

Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Entries Are In: Top Riders Set to Compete

A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Heading the list of entries are defending champion and U.S. Olympic veteran Will Coleman, 2024 U.S. Olympian Caroline Pamukcu, 2023 Kentucky 5* champion Tamie Smith, and seven-time Olympic veteran Phillip Dutton, whose daughter Olivia is also entered. Coleman placed first and third in last year’s event, Smith placed second in both 2021 and 2023, and Dutton placed second in 2022.

Other U.S. veterans who are entered include Jennie Brannigan, Jan Byyny, Buck Davidson, Ali Knowles, Allison Springer, Lynn Symansky, Alyssa Phillips, who won the inaugural Cosequin ® Lexington 4*-S in 2021, and James Alliston, who placed third in 2022.

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, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S is a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier. The inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Series consists of 20 qualifying events around the country leading into the Series Final, to be hosted as a CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International in Leesburg, VA, October 9-12.

The Series awards $50,000 in prize money to the three highest-placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period, as well as $200,000 in prize money at the Final in October. The Series was created to further invest in future eventing athletes and showcase the sport to a broader audience. Additional information is available here.

“The Cosequin® Lexington 4* couples with our traditional CCI5* competition to give eventing fans a full day of world-class competition,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Director. “As part of the new US Equestrian Open Eventing Series, the Cosequin® Lexington 4* has more meaning than ever before, assuring us an even more thrilling competition.”

The full list of Cosequin® Lexington 4* entries can be found here.

Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4* are included when purchasing K3DE tickets and can be purchased at kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets.

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

— Edited Press Release

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

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: An Impressive List of Entries appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Lexington, Ky. — 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.

Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*-S runs concurrently with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE), one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” K3DE annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. The event also features the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

This year, the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*-S is a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier. The inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Series consists of 20 qualifying events around the country leading into the Series Final, to be hosted as a CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International in Leesburg, VA, October 9-12. The Series will award $50,000 in prize money to the three highest-placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period, as well as $200,000 in prize money at the Final in October. The Series was created to further invest in future eventing athletes and showcase the sport to a broader audience. Additional information is available here.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cosequin^® back as a cherished partner of our event and as Title Sponsor of the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*,” said Molly Day, Executive Director of EEI. “Without the generous support of our sponsors, we would not be able to produce our incredible event. We are excited about being part of the new US Equestrian Open Eventing Series and look forward to another great year of world-class competition.”

“As the #1 veterinarian recommended joint health supplement brand, Cosequin® is committed to supporting the well-being of equine athletes. We are thrilled that the Cosequin® Lexington 4* will serve as a qualifier for the US Equestrian Open Eventing Series, further strengthening the future of eventing in the United States,” said Dr. Ethan Sutherland of Cosequin^®.

Tickets for viewing the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing K3DE tickets and can be purchased at kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets.

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

— Edited Press Release

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

The post Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ to Serve as US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

How HorseAlert Works:

• Horse owners and drivers can sign up for free at horsealert.org.
• Modeled after widely used rideshare apps, HorseAlert connects those in need of evacuation with local drivers who are prepared to assist.

Why It Matters

When disaster strikes, horse owners are often left scrambling to find evacuation assistance through social media posts, which can lead to chaos on the roads. While the equine community’s generosity is unwavering, these disorganized responses result in unnecessary traffic, which delays evacuations, wastes valuable time, and endangers both human and animal lives. HorseAlert creates an organized, efficient way to evacuate horses, reducing traffic and chaos.

We Need Your Help

• Trailer drivers: Join now to be texted when horses in your area need to be evacuated.
• Horse owners: Register now to be ready when disaster strikes.

Tips for Horse Owners:

• Evacuate early to avoid delays.
• Practice loading your horse into a trailer.
• Have emergency supplies ready.

About Colorado Horse Rescue

Founded in 1986, Colorado Horse Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works continuously to reimagine what’s possible and create a reality where safe solutions exist for every horse.
Learn more at www.chr.org.

— Edited Press Release

The post Colorado Horse Rescue Launches HorseAlert in California to Facilitate Equine Evacuations appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Brooke USA is supporting Fleet of Angels, a nonprofit that helps horses in crisis and, which at present, is working on the ground to provide most of the feed and supplies for these animals. To donate to Brooke USA in support of Fleet of Angels’ efforts, please visit www.BrookeUSA.org/california-blazes.

In partnership with the EQUUS Foundation, Brooke USA has also established a grant program to provide disaster relief funding to equine charities in Southern California. Eligible organizations can learn more and apply at www.equusfoundation.org/emergency.

Although it is understood that immediate aid is paramount, the process of recovery is as important and often begins while emergency response activities are still in progress. The disaster recovery process focuses on restoring normalcy to those impacted by a disaster and without a doubt, it helps horses and other equines who require temporary shelter, feed and hay.

Drawing from their 2018 disaster response in Paradise, Calif. — where Fleet of Angels sustained two hay banks for nearly a year — the organization is dedicated to delivering meaningful, lasting support after the fires by expanding its services to include a horse hay and supply bank with satellite locations throughout the fire-affected area. These hay banks will be open to individual owners and small rescues to provide critical supplies for the equine survivors of the fires for multiple months.

“At Brooke USA, we know from our previous disaster response efforts, that achieving regular activities and lifestyles will take time so, we are determined to do what we can to help equines and their owners impacted by the fires in Southern California. During recovery efforts, the goal is to ensure equine re-unification with their owners or a peaceful rehoming transition,” stated Brooke USA CEO Emily Dulin.

“We commend those nonprofits working on the ground and those raising money to support the devastation brought on by the California Blazes which have become some of the most deadly and destructive fires in California history. It is our hope that our friends and supporters will come to the rescue of these horses and their owners,” noted Dr. Jim Hamilton, Brooke USA’s Chairman of the Board. Brooke USA will direct 100% of the funds raised to Fleet of Angels.

— Edited Press Release | Source: American Horse Publications

The post Brooke USA Launches Fire Horses Emergency Campaign Supporting Equines Affected by California Wildfires appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horse owners who live in the United States, are 18 years of age and older, and currently own or manage at least one horse are invited to complete the survey. The survey, conducted every three years, will gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry, identify critical issues facing the equine industry as perceived by those who own or manage horses, and better understand issues on horse health.

The survey is sponsored by Zoetis™ and will launch in early 2025. Information will be available on the AHP and member media channels. For more information, visit www.americanhorsepubs.org.

The purpose of the AHP Equine Industry Survey is to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry. In addition, it seeks to gather information regarding the most important issues facing the industry.

Those eligible to participate in the survey are men and women, 18 years of age and older, who currently own or manage at least one horse and live in the United States. This survey is anonymous. No one, not even members of the research team, will be able to associate information with responses. When the survey results are tallied, only aggregated results will be presented.

The survey is being conducted for American Horse Publications (AHP). AHP is a nonprofit association that promotes excellence in equine media; members include equine-related publishing media, media professionals, students, organizations, and businesses. Dr. C. Jill Stowe is providing consulting services for data collection and analysis to the AHP; Dr. Stowe is currently a professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky. Zoetis, Dr. Stowe, and American Horse Publications have partnered on all six surveys in 2009-2020, 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2025.

The final report and survey supplemental data are only available to the sponsor and the current members of American Horse Publications.

Results of previous surveys are also available to current AHP members on request. Contact Amy Sales at amy.sales@easterassociates.com.

— Edited Press Release | Source: American Horse Publications

The post AHP Equine Industry Survey Returns in 2025 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.