Congratulations to Jennie Brannigan and Cooper! This talented young pair is currently leading the field in their first CCI3* at the Bramham CCI3* (under 25-year-old section) in England. This accomplishment adds yet another feather to Brannigan’s already well-decorated cap, with an impressive resume that includes individual and team gold at last year’s NAJYRC CCI2*, the 2008 Adequan/USEA Intermediate Gold Cup Champion, 2008 USEA Young Rider of the Year, and a slew of other big wins with Cooper throughout their budding career.
Brannigan, 22, and her precocious eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding were recently added to the USEF Eventing Training “B” List, and have been training with Phillip Dutton at his farm in Pennsylvania since last fall.
Good luck on cross-country tomorrow, Jennie – we’re all cheering for you and Coop!
To see the complete results, click here!
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.