The Best of the 352 is back for another year and World Equestrian Center Ocala is proud to be among the winners! Weve swept top placements across a range of categories, thanks to the support of all those who voted for us this year. The Best of the 352 celebrates the best businesses and services in our community, based on the votes of local[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center Ocala, The Equestrian Hotel and More Recognized as Gold Winners in the 2024 Best of the 352 appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Disney! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy CANTER MichiganAdoptable Horse: Disney, an 11-year-old 16.0hh Thoroughbred geldingOrganization: CANTER Michigan at Willowbrooke Farm, Plymouth, Mich.Get to Know Adoptable Horse DisneyRegistered as Reanimate with the Jockey Club, Disney is a 2013 tall, dark and handsome war horse with a sweet personality. He will make a great pleasure partner with an intermediate rider looking to enjoy a low-level lifestyle with him.On the ground, Disney is a gentleman and a prince. He respects personal space, picks up his feet nicely, enjoys being groomed, behaves for his visits with the vet and farrier, and is calm in the cross ties.Disney had a long life at the track, racing through his 10-year-old year, but is beginning to adjust to turnout with a friend. He does best with a short amount of turnout with a pasture mate and then being stalled.In the saddle, Disney has been doing well in training at the walk, trot, and canter. Hes quiet and reasonable to work with. Disney will do best in a pleasure-type home with an intermediate rider who is looking to do casual riding or hit the trails.Disney requires no special dietary needs. He can crib in his stall, but it is controlled with a cribbing collar. Disney had a long, successful racing career, so he deserves an adopter who is willing to provide the maintenance needed to keep him comfortable to excel in his new home. CANTER Michigan feels he will continue to do well with hock injections and Osphos to control his kissing spine on an as needed basis. Like many Thoroughbreds, he has thin soles and low heels, so he does best in shoes with pads all around.Any medical records and pertinent history CANTER Michigan has on their horses are available to interested and approved adopters. CANTER Michigan always recommends a pre-purchase exam.Potential adopters must complete an adoption application and be approved by CANTER Michigan prior to viewing and/or adopting a horse. Please review their adoption process and complete an application here. There is no cost or obligation, and approval applies to all horses in the CANTER Michigan program. Please note that completing an application is not a guarantee of approval. Contact CANTER Michigan today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Disney!Photo courtesy CANTER MichiganCould this weeks adoptable horse be the Right Horse you have been waiting for? Click here for more information about Disney, the ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week.ASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Disney appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The first horse inspection marks the start of the Longines Luhmuhlen Horse Trials When breeches and riding boots are switched for dresses and suits, its time for the first horse inspection. The ground jury, consisted of Anne-Mette Binder (DEN), Sandy Phillips (GBR) and Dr. Joachim Dimmek (GER) as well as Dr. Jurgen Mertens. All Irish []The post Luhmuhlen CCI5*-L Kick-off! appeared first on Irish Eventing Times.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The second day of the Memer CCI4*-S at Luhmhlen arrived with a bang because today, many of the classs heaviest hitters, and those vying the hardest for spots on their respective Olympic teams in this final trial, came forward to deliver their tests.What isnt, ultimately, a surprise at the end of the day is that German maestro Michael Jung and his Tokyo Olympics ride and five-star winner fischerChipmunk FRH are in the lead going into cross-country, having put a 22.9 on the board. What was a surprise, though, was just how tough the marking continued to be among todays habitually low-scoring combinations.Hes just really good, in general, says Michi of his ride on sixteen-year-old Chipmunk, who joins stablemate Kilcandra Ocean Power, fourth going into cross-country, in the top ten. He gave me a very good ride. He was very calm, listening very well just beautiful to ride, and just to enjoy.Michi and Chipmunk are no strangers to exceptional scores; theyve gone sub-20 more times than most of us have had hot dinners, and the former Julia Krajewski ride is so impeccably behaved in the ring that its hard to imagine anything ever fazing him enough to challenge that supremacy. Thats not to say that todays test was perfect; their initial halt wasnt quite square behind, and the gelding became almost imperceptibly stuck for a fraction of a moment in the second walk pirouette.But, says Michi, he gives me a very good feeling thats a very big plus, and that makesit very, very easy for me today. I think the extended trot, I just enjoyed. He had a very good drive, very powerful, super balance. I think the half pass, and also the flying changes [were highlights.]Now, hes looking forward to tackling the CCI4*-S course with which hes so familiar; hes previously won this class on Chipmunk, back in 2021. And the pressure of it being a final selection trial? It appears to barely register for the icy-veined rider.The time will be a challenge for sure tomorrow andI want to go fast, for sure, but Im still thinking to our big dream [of Paris]. This is the most important thing, he says.Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Michis test steals the lead from British frontrunners Laura Collett and London 52, who stepped into the top spot for part of the morning on their 24.8. But Laura, who won the five-star here last year with the German-bred gelding, can still see plenty of space for improvement in the final weeks before, she hopes, theyll be heading to Versailles.Normally his half passes are kind of his highlight and he got all in a bit of a muddle, she says, referring to the trot movements that earned them scores between 5.5 and 7. I was probably too brave on the short side and didnt set him up enough, and then when I did do a half halt, he thought it needed a halt rather than a half halt! So that was annoying, but here were just trying to see where we can push the extra bits.In order to do so, she continues, she had him pretty revved up, more than normal and its just finding out how far you can go, and what needs tweaking. Its kind of a learning test. I know he can go in and do a safe test, but its trying to get a safe test and a wow test all at the same time.His canter work, though, was very secure, and very safe in the changes and very on the aids, says Laura. There were bits that were really, really good. The centre lines were good, because those can sometimes not be great. So parts to like, parts to very much dislike but well try and get it right next time.Theres plenty to do tomorrow, though, on Mike Etherington-Smiths technical, tight track.Its very, very intense and everything comes up very quickly, she says. So you have to be on your A game and think quickly, and the horses have to react quickly. I think its a great track, and at the moment the ground looks amazing.Coming to Luhmhlen as a final pre-Paris run has been at the forefront of Lauras plan for London 52 all year.For me, it was a no brainer coming here. Doing dressage and show jumping on a surface, show jumping after cross country and the type of track flat twisty, intense. Its the complete opposite to Bramham [last week], but in my opinion, the closest that youre going to get to what Paris is going to be, and you want to replicate as much as you can and prepare. We dont get selected until later on, but you have to prepare like youre going so that you know youre ready.Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Tokyo Olympian and former World Champion Sandra Auffarth steps into fifth place overnight, after day one leaders Anna Lena Schaaf and Fairytale 39 and Michael Jung and Kilcandra Ocean Power, after a smart test with her stalwart team ride Viamant du Matz earned the pair a 27.2. Though many riders today rode out of the ring disappointed with the numbers on the board, Sandra was delighted to have unlocked a new level of relaxation and cadence in the gelding, who has, on occasion, previously struggled with tightness through the neck in this phase.His steadiness was, for me personally, quite a big highlight, she says. He was so focused, and he did some really nice flying changes he was really listening to me. That was in the past sometimes a little problem.At fifteen, she feels that Mat is really coming into his own.Hesa French guy, so maybe theyre like good wine, she laughs.The pair are among the obvious frontrunners for the German Olympic team, which hasnt yet been selected; they finished third in last years European Championships, fourth at Kentucky that spring, and were part of the gold medal winning team at the 2022 World Championships after winning Aachen that summer. But while the final nod will still depend on an excellent performance here, Sandra doesnt let the pressure of the situation alter the way she approaches her ride in the dressage ring. I always tend to say, there are so many other important things in the world. Its not life or death when its not working, she says. So that makes me quite relaxed. I just always try to give our best sometimes it works, and sometimes not. Thats life.Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Italys Giovanni Ugolotti steps into sixth place with the charismatic Swirly Temptress, who danced her way to a 27.6 and gave her rider plenty to celebrate with his compatriots in the in-gate.She was amazing Im super pleased with her, he says. We know that this is our strong phase, but sometimes, she can get a little bit tense in big arenas like that, and then its not easy for me to actually work with her neck, because she has a very rubbery neck. She struggles, sometimes, to stay out onto the bridle. But today I cant fault her yes, we had a couple of little mistakes but overall, Im over the moon.Those little mistakes were marginal the lowest their marks slipped were to two 6s, awarded by Xavier le Sauce at C for the second walk pirouette and the final centre line.The pirouettes were not like they should be, but the changes felt very, very good, says Gio, wo was given 7s and 8s for those movements. This is a horse that I think can be, if everything goes like it should, close to a 20. Next time!Gio, too, is here to make a bid for Olympic selection, and like Laura before him, Luhmhlen was the obvious choice as a final run.Its the last run before the Games, so you want to test them. The course is beautifully built I think Mike [Etherington-Smith] is one of the best cross-country builders in the world, and I think all the questions, even if they are tough questions, they are very clear and readable for the horses.Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Several key combinations ended up with surprising scores on the board and one of those was World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. They put a 28.1 on the board to put them seventh overnight, ahead of Tim Price and Coup de Coeur Dudevin on the same score.Yas, though, was delighted with her horses performance, and sage about some of the frustrating little mistakes they made along the way.He actually felt amazing in himself today. He was really bright, and he felt really soft and like everything was just nice and balanced he just felt like good Banzai at his best, she says. I was really happy that they rewarded him for what he did really, really nicely he got some 8s, he got some 9s. There was obviously a couple of really annoying mistakes;all the technical stuff was bob on, his changes were great, his half passes, shoulder ins, mediums, extendeds, all that was all great. But then there were annoying things, like he wouldnt stand still in the halt, and then in the half piroutte, I went to put my leg on and he kicked up at my leg. Its things like that, that are just a bit frustrating.But, she says, this weeks test was all about finding clever ways to bring his already consistently exceptional flatwork to the next level.Ive been trying a couple of new things to try and get a little bit extra out of him, she explains. Ive been wearing spurs a bit more recently, which Ive never done before. Its worked really well in the training, and Ive felt like Ive got so much more from him recently. This is the first time Ive worn them in the arena, which is obviously a risk. But I know that I cangather a few more marks here and there, which I think I did in other movements, but obviously then it hindered me a little bit in, say, the pirouettes. But we dont have any of those in the next text we hopefully! do!Previously, she says, she had avoided wearing spurs because Banzai is super sharp. But theres just been a couple of occasions in the past few tests that hes done, where I felt like I needed like a little bit of a quick reaction here and there. With my leg, with no spurs, I have to give him a bit of a nudge and sometimes you dont quite get the reaciton. So I think well play with that a little bit more, because I really do like the idea, but I think we just need to nail the when and if. Like, whether we ride in the warm up with them and take them off for the test, or something like that, but I do believe theyre making really positive changes.Now, she finds herself just over five penalties off the lead, which shes content with going into tomorrows cross-country.Theres plenty to do over the weekend, so I think its a good place to be I quite like rooting my way up from the back.Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Tom McEwen and JL Dublin slot into tenth place on a 28.4 after a tidy test, behind Frances Tom Carlile in ninth but like many riders, including eleventh-placed Julia Krajewski, Tom was outspoken in his frustration with todays harsh marking, echoing the common sentiment of the day: that nobody was quite sure what the judges were hoping to see.I was shocked when I came out with a 28, if Im honest, he says. Im not going to lie to you, Ive watched some really bang average tests this morning and they were getting 30s. Soto then come out with something like that, Im really disappointed in their marking, to be honest.Dubs, he says, felt at his very best in the ring at least as good as he had in tests such as Kronenbergs CCI4*-S in March, where he received a 20.9, or at Kentucky this spring, where he earned a 24.6.He was balanced, soft, set up in every corner. I think maybe theyre looking for you to go ten to the dozen, maybe going flat out round it, he muses. Ive got absolutely no idea, to be honest. Its baffling, but it is what it is. He felt amazing, in comparison to othertests hes done. Kronenberg was incredible, but to be honest, not that far different. That [Kronenberg test] probably showed a little bit more power in a few more bits. But for me, this was amuch better test than at Kentucky. Kentucky was a little bit, like quick, whereas this was actually really together, so I was delighted with him.The CCI4*-S was presided over by Frances Xavier Le Sauce himself a member of the Paris Olympics ground jury who sat in the box at C, while Germanys Edith Schless-Strtenbecker marked from E.As a judge, our priority is just to assess training compared to the training scales, says Xavier. So were all on the same page following the training scales, which is starting from the rhythm of the paces, finishing with some collection, even if, in eventing, were not looking at the same degree of collection as in Grand Prix dressage. But were still looking at suppleness, quiet in the contact, and how they are finally offering to embody the movement, and the way they are just going into the flow through the test.That 4* test is quite interesting, he continues. Especially because its true that there are many marks for the walk, and when the walk is lacking rhythm in the medium, the extended, or in the pirouettes, the scores start to decrease quite a lot in a way. So that is where that test is probably quite difficult for riders when there is some tension, there is excitement and they are just not able to find the clear rhythm of the move we would like to see.Though hes very aware of the classs importance as an Olympic selection trial, Xavier is firm that the judging isnt harsher because of that nor because hes ramping his own standards up to Olympic level in preparation for Paris.Were not judging the name of the horses or the riders or the nations were here to judge what we see, he says. So I perfectly agree that sometimes, you would expect better scores in comparison with your previous tests. We would like to give 9s and 10sto everybody that would be very lovely, to have that. Unfortunately, during the last few days we have a couple of mistakes and tension. So thats the reason some marks were lower. But we are always happy to talk with everybody and have a discussion with the riders about why we gave that mark.I know most of the class would like to be in Paris, and I would be happy to see them in Paris. Where everybody can be sure, is that judges have no memory. So whats happened today, willbe something else tomorrow. That will really change nothing in the way of judging them in Paris or somewhere else after or before. Its just the picture of today. With our comments [on the test sheets], I think we tried to give them a line as to what we would like, and where we would expect a bit more. So thats how we are creating that partnership between judges and rider.Tomorrow sees the CCI4*-S take to cross-country from 12.51 p.m. local time (11.51 a.m. BST/6.51 a.m. EST) following the culmination of the CCI5* cross-country. Our scheduled pathfinders of the 66 horses and riders are Australias Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. Both classes will be streamed in their entirety on Horse & Country TV, and well be bringing you a jam-packed report on each of them once theyve finished. Well be back tonight with a report from todays CCI5* dressage, plus a look at that classs cross-country course, and in the meantime, you can sneak a peak at the CCI4*-S timeshere.Go Eventing.The top ten in the Memer CCI4*-S after dressage at Luhmhlen.ENs coverage of the Longines LuhmhlenHorse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!Longines Luhmhlen:Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | ENs Coverage

Ocala, FL June 3, 2024 WorldEquestrian Center Ocala is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Hern as the new Director of Equestrian Operations. With extensive experience managing horse shows and a track record of exceptional leadership, Hern brings a variety of knowledge and expertise to the role. Herns resume includes his tenure as Horse Show Manager at Fieldstone Show Park in[...]Read MoreThe post Tom Hern Appointed Director of Equestrian Operations at World Equestrian Center Ocala appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Now that were deep into spring, its time to zhuzh up your horse. Why not make it an enriching mindfulness experience for you both? Enter mindful grooming.Body, Mind, Equine retreat participant in Pennsylvania enjoying a mindful equine grooming session. Her smile says it all!Its not uncommon for horse owners to become complacent about grooming amidst the many other tasks involved with having horses, especially when combined with finding the time to ride. But a dedicated, mindful equine grooming session can be quite relaxing and yet another way to share space.Im an advocate of letting horses be horses, but to be honest, sometimes mine look downright feral as I slack on their grooming. I often find myself doing a quick cowboy groom, focusing on just the areas that need direct attention, paying little attention to anything else. The reality as horse owners is sometimes thats all we have time for.Often, equestrians can become task-oriented or fixated on the ride, skimming over the true joy of simply being around horses. Mindful grooming is a nice way to connect beyond riding. Your horse will thank you, because after all, who doesnt love a good spa day and quality time with a friend?Cathy and Dan deeply connecting during grooming time. Photo by William SkinnerAs part of my Body, Mind, Equine retreats, I include a mindful equine grooming segment. This session often includes some of the sweetest and most memorable aspects of the program. When I take the time to do this with my horses, Im reminded of how rich the experience is.What are the Benefits of Mindful Grooming for You and Your Horse? Slowing down and an opportunity to practice present-moment awareness. Spending quality, quiet time with your horse. Relaxing and soothing both horse and human, lowering stress levels. Getting hands on your horse to inspect anything that might be missed at a glance, such as tenderness, weight loss/gain, and hoof issues. An opportunity to observe energy and to be aware of what energy we are bringing to our horsemanship, such as calm, rushed, scattered or centered. An occasion to bond, build trust and connect.A Body, Mind, Equine retreat participant at C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado and one of the ranch horses enjoying some extra attention through grooming.Benefits for Senior Horses and Non-RidersSince my horses are now seniors, I find we spend more time doing tranquil, simple activities, such as unhurried grooming sessions, compared to how we spent time during our many years of long, challenging trail rides. As we move through the various seasons of our lives, we find new pathways to partnership.Cathy Woods decided to pass up a trail ride when she was having an off day in order to stay behind and groom Sampson instead. Photo by Carol Engan BorrelliMaybe you no longer have interest in riding, or you or your horse has an injury, preventing saddle time. Or perhaps your friends are going riding, but youre having anoffday and youre just notfeeling it. In either case, theres nothing wrong with staying behind and spending time with your horse in another way.Sometimes, its nice to just be with your horse.How to Practice Mindful GroomingAuthor and blogger Heather Wallace sharing space while experiencing her and her horses energy interconnecting at Body, Mind, Equine Retreat at C Lazy U Ranch.Mindful grooming can be approached in several ways, depending on personal preference and your setup. Make the session feel special, much like you would when setting up for any special occasion. Your horse will sense the difference. Maybe its playing relaxing music in your barn, or thoughtfully setting out your grooming tools. I like to start and end my session by giving my horse a peppermint. Sessions can be done in complete silence, which can be a nice break and a counterbalance from all the noise in our lives. Horses live in a nonverbal world; sometimes its nice to join them there! Soft music can also be pleasant. Choose something soothing. I like to play Native American flute music; I find the sounds peaceful and ethereal. Before greeting your horse, take a few moments to become centered: be still, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, collecting and gathering yourself. Your horse will detect the difference when your energy is centered versus fragmented. Before grooming, take a moment to breathe with your horse. Stand next to him with grounded feet and place a hand on his chest, side, or near the nostrils, and breathe deeplysee if you can sync up your breathing. Not only does this calm and connect horse and human, but helps us become keenly aware that the same life-force energy flowing through us also flows through our horse (and all living things), interconnecting us on a deeper level. Begin your grooming regimen in whatever way you like, while staying attentive to what youre doing. When your mind wanders from your task, notice that youve come out of the moment and bring your attention back. Use two tools to stay harnessed in the present: breath and bodily sensations. When you catch yourself mentally drifting, come back to those two thingstheyre always there.Often, we operate on auto pilot, but learning to stay in the present moment is a giftthats why its called the present.One of the favorite segments of the Find Your Inner Cowgirl Retreat with Cathy Woods each May is mindful equine grooming. Pay attention to your horses response/body language. Is he showing signs of relaxing and enjoying the experience? Detect if there are specific areas where your horse likes or dislikes grooming, and adjust accordingly. See how much you can notice. When grooming, pay attention to the subtleties, smells, sounds, sensations and breath. Use this time as a meditative experiencea waking meditation. If you groom with others in a shared barn or with a riding group, perhaps suggest this as a group activity. Group energy can sometimes enhance the experience for all. The session can be as long or short as youd like. Its not about the quantity of time, but rather the quality of presence. In closing, thank and appreciate your horse for being part of your life and for being a creature teacher. We can learn so much from them by simply being in their company.I hope youll give mindful grooming a try and continue to seek new ways to connect with your horse and the world around you in a deeper way.Happy grooming! Your horse thanks you.This article about mindful grooming appeared in the May 2023 issue of Horse Illustratedmagazine.Click here to subscribe!The post Mindful Grooming appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In just 2 weeks, from June 21st to 23rd, the Longines Global Champions Tour - Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping will welcome the elite of global show jumping.

I enjoyed Upperville so much that I went back for round 2: Loudoun Benefit. This show is held on the exact same show grounds the week following Upperville, which means another opportunity for pretty pictures underneath the oaks.But I actually photographed on the other side of the road, the Salem show grounds. Not because I was trying to get photos at a different location, although that really have been the smart thing to do for variety. But no, its because I went to photograph someone who I thought would be on the Grafton side and then it turns out they werent.I showed up with my kids in tow, searching for a parking spot. Upperville the show uses a nearby field as the assigned parking lot, whereas Upperville the venue uses where ever you find a space, parking. So I ended up parking on the hunter side, directly across from the warm up ring I thought shed be using. It was right next to the ring I thought shed be showing in. I thought I was doing pretty good.Until I checked the class schedule and saw she was in a ring called, Salem Hunter, which is an awfully suspicious name for a ring located on the hunter side of the show grounds. I tried to justify it in my head for a few minutes before I admitted it would be really strange for a ring called Salem Hunter, to be on the Grafton side of the show grounds, when the Salem show grounds are also present. But just to be sure, I asked a random ride that I spotted, and she confirmed my suspicious in a strange turn of events, a reenactment for the Salem witch trials had been held on these very show grounds, and they forever named the ring that.No, actually, the ring was on the other side, in the Salem show grounds, to my shock and amazement. I didnt have time (even though it would turn out I did) to go back and move my car, so I just hurried my wagon load of children across the street.I ended up with about an hour before her ride, so naturally Im just taking photos of everyone else nearby. The kids were collecting sticks to create a fire that they promised me they wouldnt light, and Im getting fried in the bright sunlight. I ended up with a burned face.But still, all the pictures!Black and White?or color?In the time I was standing there, two riders came off on the exact same jump. Each time I had to check to make sure my kids were not involved. Luckily for me, both times they were still collecting sticks for their bonfire, well away from the ring, so I dont think they were the cause. Id be horrified if the kids were spooking them.Overall, the show went well. I was able to get lots of photos that I was happy with, although Im still a bit limited in my movement because of the kids. Since they follow me, I cant get too close to the ring. I also am not able to move around the ring, because then the kids might use it as an opportunity to free themselves and run wild into the sunset. I can see how those two statements might seem contradicting, but its true.So the photos were limited in variety, but it was still a nice day. Plus my kids left a nice little bonfire pile if someone wants to light it, either in celebration or the for traditional show day smores. I just need to slather aloe on my burned face. Excuse me.The post Photographing Loudoun Benefit appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Laura Collett MBE (@laura_collett) They led the style stakes in Wednesdays trot up (in my humble opinion, anyway), and after Day One of Dressage, they are leading the field in the 5* at Luhmhlen. I am, of course, referring to the darling of the British Eventing scene, Laura Collett, and her up and coming superstar, Hester. The mare started at Badminton last month, but pulled up mid way round the cross country when Laura felt her backing off a little too much. Today though, she seemed to have put that stage fright firmly behind her, pulling off the kind of confident and focussed test that even the most of experienced horses could only dream of producing. Such is the genius of Miss Collett in getting the best out of her horses.She brings forward last years Luhmhlen 5* winner, London 52, in the CCI4*-S at 10.02 AM Local Time (05.02AM EST/09.02 AM BST). That 4* section promises to be an incredible competition in itself, with a whole host of top riders entered, all chasing last minute Olympic Qualification and/or selection. The current leaders though, are not one of the usual suspects; instead, it is one of Germanys top young talents, Anna Lena Schaaf and her longterm partner, Fairytale 39. What a delightful story that would be, if she managed to pull off the win! She will have to fight off formidable competition to do so though not only have the afore mentioned superstars Laura and London still to come, but also Laras compatriot Michael Jung and the ever impressive Fischerchipmunk FRH, as well as Kentucky runners up Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, amongst others. See what I said about it being an exciting line up?Check out all of the times for todays dressage (which kicked off at 8.30AM Local Time (2.30AM EST/7.30AM BST) here [4*] [5*], keep up with all of the action over on Horse & Country TV, and make sure you stay tuned here on Eventing Nation. Our roving reporter Tilly will be bringing you all of the action as it unfolds, while our resident cross country whizz kid Cheg will be keeping you informed as to what happens and when with her ever impressive cross country live updates tomorrow.For now though, catch up on all the news from the competition so far and re-acquaint yourself with the 5* competitors in our ever extensive form guide as ever we will make sure you dont miss a second, so all you need to do is load up on snacks, find a comfy seat, and Go Eventing!U.S. Weekend PreviewAspen Farm H.T (Yelm, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Allentown, NJ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. I (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (Camp Lake, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]International EventsLongines Luhmhlen (Germany) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Live Stream H&C+] [ENs Coverage]Friday News and ReadingRemember we mentioned last week that Shane Rose was not only back in the saddle, but also back in the race for Olympic selection? Well if you want a little further insight into the indefatigable Aussie, then check out this episode of When Nicole Met. from our friends over on the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast. WHAT A GUY!Speaking of podcasts Ive a brand new one for you tor wrap your ears around. The eventing legend Lucinda Green has added yet another string to her bow: that of podcast host. The first episode is out now, and while I havent listened to it as yet, it is at the very top of my to do list, and Id be willing to bet that its a good one. Find it here!More new stuff! This time in the form of tiny people. Thats right, Aussie eventer Sam Griffiths and his lovely wife Hayley welcomed a new member to their family, in the shape of baby Cora. Congrats you guys! A future Olympian, I wonder?! Always wanted to be part of a reality TV show, but dont really feel like Love Island is your scene?! Well now is your chance: Horse & Countrys reality series Mochara All Star Academy is still open for applications. Hosted by Meg Elphick, and filmed at Talland School of Equitation, this is an opportunity not to be missed. But hurry! Applications close in little more than a week. Oh, and if you do make it to the audition stage, heres some handy tips to get you through you can thank me later. Last one from me before I scuttle back into my lair and immerse myself back in all things Luhmhlen. Can we all put our hands together in congratulations for Gaspard Maksud, who is apparently not content with just being a top level eventer, but has now proven his worth as a pure show jumper too, blagging himself a ticket to the Foxhunter Show Jumping Finals at the Horse of the Year Show. Is there no end to the mans talents?Sponsor Corner View this post on InstagramA post shared by Stable View (@stableviewaiken) Dont forget to buy your VIP tickets for the Summer Horse Trials at Stable View happening next week! Ticket Holders receive access to the Pavilion upstairs with 360-degree view, lunch catered by Blue Collard beverages, and Stable View swag.Weekend WatchingAll eyes may be on the competition unfolding in Germany this weekend, but I am still happily remembering the fairytale finish that Lucy Latta enjoyed at Badminton last month. Find out a little more about her and her journey from ponies to 5* here. Dream it, believe it, achieve it!

Wilmington, OH The $25,000 World Equestrian Center Grand Prix at World Equestrian Center Wilmington was the highlight event of the week during Spring II. Bobby Murphy (USA) designed the intricate course for 18 elite horse-and-rider pairs. In a competitive eight-horse jump-off, Sam Pegg (CAN) secured victory by a full two seconds aboard his rising star mount Gin Tonic 158 (Graf Top x Sanjador).[...]Read MoreThe post Sam Pegg and Gin Tonic 158 Prevail in the $25,000 World Equestrian Center Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.