Last February, 21-year-old Jennie Brannigan of San Diego, CA was awarded the Jacqueline B. Mars International Competition and Training Grant. Brannigan decided to use the grant to travel to the Bramham CCI3* in England with her eight-year-old, Dutch Warmblood gelding, Cooper.
2008 was a year of great success as Brannigan and Cooper won the Intermediate level of the Adequan/USEA Gold Cup Series and earned individual and team gold in the two-star competition at the North American Junior and Young Riders Championship.
The pair was recently named to the "B" Squad on the USEF High Performance List. Brannigan currently lives in West Grove, Pennsylvania and works for Olympic Gold Medalist Phillip Dutton.
Brannigan and Cooper arrived in England on June 1 to prepare for their first international competition. Bramham CCI3* is considered to be one of the most difficult three-star competitions in the world. However, the duo was ready for the challenge.
After the dressage phase, Brannigan stood at the top of the placings in the under 25 division with a 42.8. An unfortunate stop and 14.8 time penalties on the cross-country course dropped the team down to 15th place. Although, they had three rails down in show jumping, Brannigan and Cooper managed to bump up one place to finish in a respectable 14th place. Complete results for the Bramham CCI3* can be seen here.
The Bramham CCI3* was Brannigan and Cooper's first attempt at a CCI3* and European competition. The pair gained an irreplaceable experience in a tough competitive atmosphere. This exposure will definitely serve Brannigan well as she hopes to represent the United States in future international competitions.
Also, check out Brannigan's blog on her Bramham experience at The Chronicle of Horse's website.
Have your travels to Kentucky for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event begun yet? We've got the perfect podcast episode to help you make the time on the plane or in the car pass by as you prepare for all of the excitement of the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L that will take place this week. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sits down with Will Coleman to talk all about this iconic week in U.S. eventing, his plans for the four-star this year (including an adorable homage to long-term partner Off the Record), his first ever time competing at Kentucky, and so much more!
Happy Kentucky week eventing fans! The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event kicks off with the first formal horse inspection for the five-star field this Wednesday, April 23. With so much excitement building up for the competition this year, we compiled all the facts you might want to know about this year's five-star lineup. Get to know each of the horses and riders entered this year a little bit better below!
Horse trials, from local grassroots competitions to FEI-level events, are the heartbeat of the eventing world. These trials are more than just a test of skill for riders and horses; they are essential to the growth and sustainability of the entire equestrian community.
Whether you've brought your horse up from Novice or took on the ride later in their career, getting to your first five-star on a special partner is a huge accomplishment.
Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA
Official Feed of the USEA
Official Saddle of the USEA
Official Forage of the USEA
Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA
Official Horse Boot of the USEA
Official Shock Wave of the USEA
Official Horse Wear of the USEA
The USEA is the official sport affiliate of U.S. Equestrian
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