All 26 horses that completed Michael Etherington-Smith's CCI4*-S cross-country course yesterday presented at the final horse inspection this morning. The ground jury consisting of Robert Stevenson (USA) and Judy Hancock (GBR) accepted all but one horse.
Charlotte Collier's 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding Clifford M (Cristo x Naomi IV) was sent to the hold box, and unfortunately was not accepted upon re-inspection.
Chris Talley's 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Unmarked Bills was also sent to the hold box, but was accepted upon a second look. Now, there will be 25 horses entering the show jumping arena later this morning to take on Chris Barnard's course. The competitors will jump in reverse order of standings, putting the pressure on overnight leaders Brandon McMechan and Oscar's Wild (Whiskey Wisdom x Rax) to jump a perfect round.
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Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.
Bringing along a young horse is such a special process for everyone involved. The USEA is excited to dedicate an episode to celebrating some of the special young horses in the United States that have risen to the occasion. Joining USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown in this episode are Tommy Greengard, the rider and co-owner of this year's Holekamp/Turner Grant Recipient That's Me Z who represented the U.S. at Le Lion this year, and Kaylawna Smith-Cook, who piloted Bonner Carpenter's Only-Else to the highest national score in the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse 5-Year-Old Championships.