May 08, 2025

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are Stars of the Show at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Badminton Horse Trials photo

South Gloucestershire, England—May 8— The Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lit up the arena at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a stunning performance and took the lead after the first day of dressage with the excellent mark of 22.4. They have almost five penalties over second-placed Emily King and Valmy Biats on 27.3.

A new face burst onto the scene in third, first-timer Tom Woodward who, at 23 is the youngest rider in the field of 81. He scored 27.9 on the 18-year-old Low Moor Lucky, a result he described as "surreal".

The world champion Yasmin Ingham, also making her MARS Badminton debut, is fourth on Rehy DJ on 29.1. Oliver Townend, the early leader on Ballaghmor Class, is now in fifth place and Gemma Stevens is sixth with Chilli Knight.

The 14-year-old JL Dublin (Diarado x Zarrina) sprang to prominence with Nicola Wilson, who is commentating for Badminton TV this weekend, winning the 2021 European title. Following Wilson's serious fall in 2022, McEwen took over the ride on Jamie and Jo Lambert and Deirdre Johnston's Holsteiner gelding; they have twice been placed at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and won Olympic gold in Paris last year.

"Dubs is a great personality and, thanks to my groom Adam, he was so relaxed today," said McEwen. "I was going for it and made that one mistake [when the horse broke in the extended trot], but I have done as much as I can today to stay ahead of Ros [Canter] tomorrow. He is an unbelievably talented horse and has pulled out performance after performance."

King, whose mother, Mary, is a dual Badminton winner, had her best result last year, fourth on the 16-year-old Selle Francais gelding Valmy Biats (Orlando x Aurelie Du Prieure). "He is a powerful horse who can get tense, but he kept it together today and the test rode very smoothly," said King. "He is a cross-country machine, but I will need to be on my A-game."

Woodward, who is contesting his first five-star competition, is on the World Class Podium Potential scheme and is based near Hartpury in Gloucestershire. The 18-year-old Low Moor Lucky was his first horse after ponies and wasn't backed until he was nine. "Basically, he was in the last-chance saloon—he was pretty feral," explained Tom. "He has very low mileage and didn't do his first event until he was 11. He didn't make any mistakes today, he doesn't get wound up and he goes back to his stable for a nap."

Dressage commences again tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. local time with Wills Oakden riding A Class Cooley as first into the arena. The 2023 winners, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, are due into the arena at 9:28 a.m.

To watch a replay of today's leading dressage test from Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, click HERE.

May 08, 2025 Education

Pressure Proof Tip with Daniel Stewart: Reframing Isn't About Hanging Pictures

At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.

May 07, 2025 Interscholastic

Through the Lens: 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships

We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!

May 06, 2025 Competitions

Fast Facts: Tryon International Three-Day Event

As we gear up for the summer, the competition season isn’t slowing down and it’s time for one of the staple events on the international calendar in the U.S., the Tryon International Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, North Carolina). This event hosts one of five CCI4*-L events on the U.S. calendar, and this year there are 13 competitors in the field. Continue reading below for more interesting facts pertaining to the event that kicks off this Thursday, May 8.

May 06, 2025 Sponsor

#WeRideTogether Renews Partnership with USEA to Promote Awareness and Education for Safer, Healthier Horse Sport

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the continued partnership with #WeRideTogether as an Official Educational Partner of the USEA. #WeRideTogether is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing safety and well-being in sports through safeguarding education and abuse prevention efforts.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

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