United States Eventing Association

USEA Horse of the Month: Zydeco Nights

There were 14 USEA recognized events that took place in June, the first month back from the suspension of the eventing calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While no one finished with a score in the teens, Erin Walker and Zydeco Nights came very close. By finishing on a score of 20.0, Walker and Zydeco Nights won the Novice Rider division at the Chattahoochee Hills H.T. on Sunday, June 28. Not only did they win their division, but they also finished with the lowest score out of any competitor in June, which makes Zydeco Nights the USEA Horse of the Month!

Zydeco Nights (Cour de Lion X Bays Nite Shadow) is a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Craig McCallum and ridden by Erin Walker. Walker just recently acquired the ride on Zydeco Nights but they are already off to a strong start. They have completed five events and have finished in the top five every time, even taking home the win three times.

Learn more about the chestnut mare who has a miniature pony as a stablemate!

About Zydeco Nights:

• Barn Name?

“Zoe.”

• Favorite treat?

“German Horse Muffins, peppermints, and carrots.”

• Favorite phase in eventing?

“She is definitely a dressage queen! She also loves the jumping phases as well. She is a super confident horse that gives me confidence in return.”

• Personality traits?

“She is positive she is the queen of the barn. She definitely has her people [that] she loves and it takes a while for her to accept people into her circle.”

• Likes?

“She loves to have her face and ears scratched and if you just hang out with her in her stall or grazing at shows. She has a mini pony that she likes to hang out with in turnout.”

• Dislikes?

“She does not like other horses to get too much in her space in warm-up or in the barn. We usually give her the corner stalls in the barn and leave and empty stall next to her if possible.”

• Any other facts that you’d like to add about Zydeco Nights?

“She is a very smart, amazing mare that I am very lucky to have the ride on. She gives me a lot of confidence and is an absolute pleasure to be around.”

Miss any of the previous 2020 horses of the month? Find out about the USEA January Horse of the Month, USEA February Horse of the Month, USEA March Horse of the Month, USEA April Horse of the Month, USEA May Horse of the Month, and USEA June Horse of the Month.

About the USEA Horse of the Month

The USEA is recognizing an event horse each month on the USEA website and social media. The USEA Horse of the Month is determined based on performance and event results and announced at the beginning of every month. The July Horse of the Month was determined by who finished with the lowest score out of any event that took place during June 2020.