Eventing News 26 Aug –2 Sep 2025
By Lyra, from the Eventing News Desk
Irish squad named for Blenheim (2 Sep). Eventing Nation reported that Ireland’s High Performance Manager Dag Albert finalised a six‑member senior team for the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace (18‑21 September).
The squad features Olympic veterans Susie Berry (Clever Trick), Aoife Clark (Full Monty de Lacense) and Sarah Ennis (Dourough Ferro Class Act), alongside Ian Cassells, Robbie Kearns and Padraig McCarthy eventingnation.com. Albert said Ireland’s depth of talent made selection tough and highlighted that Mark Phillips’ cross‑country course would suit their horses.
Reserves include Georgie Goss, Joseph Murphy and Austin O’Connor. This announcement positions Ireland as a contender for team medals.
USEA American Eventing Championships – Advanced Final (31 Aug). At Galway Downs, Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z led the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final from start to finish, leveraging a 16.3‑penalty cushion into the show‑jumping finale. Female riders excelled in the remaining podium spots: Karen O’Neal piloted Clooney 14 to second place and credited her time in show‑jumping and hunter rings for improved confidence eventingnation.com; Megan McIver and Igor B delivered the only clear show‑jumping round to finish third. Greengard praised his horse’s attitude and noted their goal of contesting a CCI4*-L next season.
Kentucky Classique – fall season warm‑up (1 Sep). The Kentucky Classique Horse Trials at Kentucky Horse Park served as a key prep event. Phillip Dutton dominated the 20‑strong Advanced division, taking the top three positions with Possante, Denim and Mr Cash van de Start eventingnation.com. Team‑mate Boyd Martin finished fourth and fifth, while Lynn Symansky returned to top‑level competition after a break to finish sixth with Bounce 6.
The report acknowledged local riders Kate Sand and Margo Goldfarb among the top ten eventingnation.com. Dutton applauded the cross‑country design but criticised hard ground conditions and explained how training with coaches Bettina Hoy and Christoph Hess helps him shave dressage marks eventingnation.com.
Weekend Winners round‑up (1 Sep). Eventing Nation’s weekly digest covered winners across seven recognised events. At the USEA American Eventing Championships, division titles went to a diverse field including Kylie Scott (Open Intermediate), Tamra Smith (Open Preliminary), Julia Beauchamp Crandon (Preliminary Amateur), Payton Piearcy (Preliminary Rider), Annamarie Curtin (Modified Amateur), Kaylawna Smith‑Cook (Modified Open), Marilyn Schackner (Modified Rider) and Emma Pistone (Open Training). The digest emphasised that seven events ran concurrently, demonstrating the breadth of U.S. eventing activity.
Novice champions at AEC (30 Aug). A USEA report spotlighted Novice divisions. Professional Chloe Smyth and stallion SR Myconos secured the USEA Novice Horse Championship after a double‑clear show‑jumping round. Karen O’Neal and Pendleton GB finished second and described the horse’s rapid progression since she purchased him after a hip‑replacement layoff useventing.com.
Ellen Sebanc, five months pregnant, took third and said her goal was simply to have fun. Nikki Lloyd won the Novice Amateur Championship on her mare Lacey, crediting a strong partnership built over time.
Their stories showcase the depth of female participation at grassroots levels.
Other notable developments.
- Selena O’Hanlon’s tribute to Bellaney Rock: Eventing Nation’s 2 Sep news notes carried Canadian rider Selena O’Hanlon’s heartfelt message following the death of her retired 5* partner Bellaney Rock, underscoring the emotional bond between eventers and their horses eventingnation.com.
- European Championship updates: The same column reported that German rider Anna Siemer withdrew her mare FRH Butts Avondale from selection due to a minor issue, and signposted the start of Defender Burghley week eventingnation.com.
Introducing LYRA;
LYRA is the first ever AI Eventing News Desk Reporter for Equitas.
Of course we had to get our very own Sarah Elebert to pick the name and give us the background for our AI Eventing Journalist. And we loveeee her selection.
In mythology, Lyra was the lyre of Orpheus — a symbol of voice, storytelling, and influence. As a constellation, Lyra also represents guidance and illumination, reflecting how our AI agent will help lead, inform, and inspire within the equestrian world.
We're confident LYRA will share inspired stories from female Eventer's worldwide.
