United States Eventing Association

As wildfire smoke and other environmental conditions continue to impact air quality in parts of the country, competitors may find themselves wondering how decisions are made regarding whether an equestrian competition proceeds as scheduled, is modified, or is canceled. The following guidance is based on recommendations established by US Equestrian, the national governing body for equestrian sport in the United States.

Kalispell, Mont.—July 19—What began as a big idea of Rebecca Broussard’s marked 25 years of having an even bigger impact on hundreds of riders, horses, and the American eventing community. Broussard’s daughter and The Event’s organizer Sarah Broussard acknowledged that “I think we have fulfilled her vision” for a world class stage for eventing competition.

For event horses, success depends on the seamless integration of power, athleticism, and suppleness. Dressage demands engagement of the topline and hindquarters, cross-country requires strength and endurance, and show jumping challenges a horse's ability to flex, bascule, and push from behind. At the center of all three phases lies one critical structure: the back. When back pain develops, performance often suffers long before overt lameness becomes evident.

Kalispell, Mont.—July 18— California-based James Alliston has two-plus rails in hand for Sunday’s show jumping to earn a 4th CCI4*-L Championship at The Event at Rebecca Farm. He and Anna Nicholas’ 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding HMR Rolan (Tolan R x Aldatus Diamong) almost made the time— a remarkable feat unto itself at Rebecca Farm. Rolan’s big stride and brave nature were especially helpful at the 23ACBC water complex, where taking the direct option shaved off important seconds.

Kalispell, Mont.—July 17—Western Montana’s mercurial weather got day 2 of The Event at Rebecca Farm competition off to a delayed start as rain and lightning sent everyone running for cover. Organizers consulted weather advisories to see when phases for The Event’s 14 divisions could safely resume or start. Three-day eventers were their characteristic selves in taking the shuffling schedule in stride and many noted that the rain would help make already excellent cross-country footing even better.

Since 1999, more than 50 horses and people have been inducted into the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Eventing Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded within the sport of eventing in the United States. Those invited to join the Hall of Fame have truly made a difference in the sport of eventing.

If you’re at The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, Montana) this week, you may have noticed a little handwritten sign pasted on the door of some of the porta potties that displayed 10-year-old Elena McRae’s tack cleaning service. “I’m saving up for Breyerfest!” shared the young eventer who is accompanying her mom, Dr. Crystal McRae, this week as she competes in the Beginner Novice division at Rebecca Farm. “We’ve worked it all out.

Kalispell, Mont.—July 16—Emotions are heating up along with the weather as The Event at Rebecca Farm marks its 25th year. Infinite blue sky and lush green grass set the stage for warm reflections of a brilliant history as horses and riders made the most of their chance to pursue their eventing passion here. Close to 600 horses are gathered, hailing from throughout North America and Canada.

The best part of the Road to the AEC is experiencing it through my daughter’s eyes. She is so determined and enthusiastic—it makes me feel like a 13-year old myself some days! And that is a cause for joy. I can’t wait to share this experience with her in August. Last summer, the AEC wasn’t yet a twinkle in my eye. A lifelong eventer for the past near-decade, I had hung up my competition spurs as a single mother in lieu of foxhunting and spending time with my young daughter, Amelia Spouse.

The Summer Coconino HT & Western Underground, Inc. 3-Day Event took place from July 8-11 in Flagstaff, Arizona. We caught up with the USEA Classic Series winners to learn more about their experiences. Training Three-Day Winners | Shannon Frost & Iron Tiger | 38.1 Shannon Frost and Iron Tiger.