Blustery winds and chilling showers pounded the competitors during Saturday’s cross-country rounds at the Dansko Fair Hill International CCI2*/CCI3*. The two-star competitors were the first to slog through the mud at the Maryland venue, and nearly half the competitors withdrew prior to the start because of the sloppy conditions. Those who did run showed not only great tenacity and grit as they guided their horses, but also thoughtful and safe rounds. The organizers and grounds crew did an outstanding job in taking care of the footing, and removing several jumps in order to give the horses the safest routes. At the end of the day, it was Hannah Sue Burnett and Richard Thompson’s Thoroughbred gelding St. Barths (pictured left) who galloped into the lead, leaping from 15th to first after being one of two combinations to finish on a double-clear round. Josh Walker and Emily Daily photos. Results.
After a very successful inaugural year, the 2025 USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship is quickly approaching. Grab your fellow barn mates, classmates, Pony Club members, and friends in grades 5th through 12th to create an IEL Club today. The best way for members to prepare for this exciting event is to participate in IEL Team Challenges held at venues across eight different USEA Areas throughout the year.
Due to the response at the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, the decision has been made to add an extra day of competition to the 2025 event schedule. The new dates for the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Championships are Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4. Click here to view the event omnibus now.
And just like that—2025 is upon us! Thinking about the year ahead can be exciting and a little overwhelming. You are not alone! Let’s talk through a few strategies I use this time of year to mentally and physically prepare for making the most out of the upcoming year.
Spectators could be forgiven for thinking they were seeing double during the victory gallop in the Novice Junior 15 & Under division at the 2024 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. Two identical flea-bitten ponies were galloping around, second- and third-place ribbons streaming in the breeze, under the command of 13-year-old Kendal Fansler of Clarksville, Maryland.