United States Eventing Association

Kendal Fansler, Claire McMillan, Emma Whitaker, and Olive Dumais have been riding together for more than two years through their membership in the Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club. Together, the teenagers have tackled Pony Club rallies, the intimidating Pony Club tradition of Quiz, and more. But this weekend, they’re tackling one of their biggest obstacles yet—the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship.

For the Texas A&M Eventing Team, this year’s return to the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships wasn’t just about competition—it was about perseverance and the power of community. After three years away from the national stage, the Aggies were dedicated to making a comeback, arriving in Aiken with a 12-person squad and eight competing riders (Hailey Alfaro, Bella Koon, Payton McBee, Brenna McDonald, Scarlett Pienado, Sarah Talcott, Brianna Ulmer, and Brett Youssi).

We don't call it the "happiest horse trial in the world" for no reason, and the first day of competition at the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships proved just that. Those competing in the Advanced, Intermediate, Preliminary, Modified, and Training divisions got their first day of competition started as they executed their dressage and show jumping tests. Their teammates in the remaining divisions will get to experience the thrill of the show ring starting tomorrow, but all Intercollegiate and Interscholastic competitors had the opportunity to participate in this afternoon's parade of teams to give everyone a taste of their school spirit!

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation announced that the 2025 Jacqueline B. Mars National Competition and Training Grant was awarded to eventer James Alliston of San Ramon, California.