United States Eventing Association

Yelm, Washington—June 14—Aspen Farms Horse Trials concluded on Sunday and over $35,000 worth of prizes were awarded to the top finishers in divisions from Beginner Novice through Intermediate, as well as a CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, and CCI4*-S, a qualifier in the US Equestrian Open Series. Throughout the three days of competition, over 300 competitors from USEA Area VII and beyond celebrated the uncharacteristically hot weather and blue skies, which showcased the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest including crystal clear views of Mount Rainier.

The standout of the weekend was Stephanie Goodman of Eagle, ID, who led the CCI4*-Short from start to finish with Elwenda DP (Westpoint x Wenderola), and also finished second in the CCI3*-Short and CCI2*-Short.

“It was great out there,” said Goodman after her clear cross-country ride with the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, adding just 14.8 time penalties to their dressage score to secure the win. “The ground couldn’t have been better, the temperature was great. The course ran pretty fast like it seemed it could when I walked it, and her legs felt great after. We had a fantastic time.”

Elwenda, who was bred for for dressage, was imported by owner Deanna Briggs from the Netherlands as an 8-year-old. Goodman transitioned her into an eventing career in 2021, completing their first horse trials at Aspen Farms five years ago. It was a full circle moment for them to win their first CCI4*-S here.

Goodman also finished second in the CCI2*-S with Brigg's 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding Cord Johnson (Cordess 2 x Canstakkia), and second in the CCI3*-S with her own 9-year-old Anglo European mare Diranca (Don Fiano x Miranca).

“I’ve had Diranca for two years and just moved her up to Intermediate this season," Goodman shared. "This was her first attempt at three-star. Overall, she was great! She was a little greener at the very beginning of the course, and she had a little bit of time, but she was awesome.”

Goodman, who has developed a thriving eventing program in Idaho, reflected in her own results this weekend, as well as the team culture behind the scenes at the barn.

“Our weekend here at Aspen has been great. From having brand new Beginner Novice riders finishing on their dressage scores, to riders moving up to Preliminary for the first time, to the FEI results… We’ve had great team success. We have a wonderful team– everyone supporting and helping each other.”

In terms of goals for the rest of the season, Goodman is planning to compete in FEI divisions at The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, MT) in July. Then they will be taking the season one-step-at-a-time, keeping an open mind about attending the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds in Lexington, Kentucky later this year and perhaps the US Equestrian Open final at Morven Park (Leesburg, VA) in October.

No one’s name appeared on the Aspen Farms’ leaderboard more than Amber Birtcil. Most notably, Birtcil and Cellar Farm Corp's Dutch Warmblood gelding Orpheus (Gerardus x Hiewitta) won the CCI3*-S, jumping clear and delivering the fastest cross-country round in the division, finishing on a score of 34.4.

“He was so good,” said Birtcil after finishing the three-star cross-country track designed by Morgan Rowsell. “I thought it was a really good test for Orpheus. He’s only 7 years old. This is his second three-star short and third Intermediate. I’m in Northern California, so we have a minimal amount of grass, but nothing like this. I was thrilled with how he handled it. We sorted out a little rideability at the first combination, but then I felt like he was totally with me. He has a heart of gold. He is so fun to take cross-country because all he does is look for the flags. This was super fun, and a great prep for Rebecca Farm in July.”

Birtcil also finished third in the CCI2*-S, finishing on her dressage score of 29.6. with Cellar Farm Corp's 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Mississipi (Falaise De Muze x Coniek). She won the Open Preliminary division with the 2025 USEA Young Event Horse West Coast 5-Year-Old champion Prince of Oolde, a 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ibolensky x Aurora J) owned by Cellar Farm Corp, and placed second in the same division aboard Cellar Farm Corp's 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Picasso (High Shutterfly x Athene HBC). Lastly, she won the Open Training division with Cellar Farm Corp's 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Oxford K (Grand Slam VDL x Walzing Patty), finishing on their dressage score of 26.8.

In the CCI2*-S, Sara Sellmer of Canada won with the 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Sportsfield Supernatural (Caricello x Copacabana), owned by Samantha Quinn. Sellmer could not be happier with his performance.

“It was an amazing round,” she said after cross-country. “He was 16 seconds under the optimum time. I practiced what we have been practicing, and we went so fast. I have been working on a system so I can slip my reins and trust him. He’s the coolest horse! He’s just so fast and brave. I’ve been waiting a long time for a horse like this.”

With a few CCI2*-S wins now under their belts, they aim to contest the CCI2*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm, before considering a move up to three-star.

You can see the full results for each division here.