The Championships will take place at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, from August 27 – 31, and eventing fans will be able to watch the action live and on-demand free on H&C’s streaming service H&C+, as well as on EN’s platform EQUESTRIAN+ (free of charge and without viewer registration).

The dressage, cross-country and show-jumping phases of the Advanced class will be streamed in full, and there will be extensive coverage from other levels including all of the cross-country competition and the final top ten from every show-jumping class.

“We’re delighted to be working with the team at Equine Network on this prestigious event,” H&C Director of Content Jonathan Rippon said. “In coming together, we’re able to significantly extend the reach of the USEA AEC into key international markets, and we’re running a heavyweight marketing campaign to our core audience, the passionate eventing community.”

Mariah Hammerschmidt, EN Director of Marketing and Video Services, noted that H&C has been a trusted destination for eventing fans for many years. “Partnering with them to co-stream the USEA AEC feels like a natural fit,” she said. “Together, we’re making it easier than ever for fans across the globe to follow the action live, on-demand and to even take home their favorite competition moments with exclusive clip purchases.”

For More:

• For more on clip purchases, click here.
• You can livestream this year’s AEC free of charge and without viewer registration on EQUESTRIAN+.

About Horse & Country

Horse & Country is the leading international sports network for the passionate and active equestrian community. Headquartered in London, England, it’s available globally via connected TVs, mobile and web, as well as on leading digital and pay-TV platforms in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden and Australia. H&C programming includes live coverage from leading competitions in all equestrian disciplines, as well as training and learning shows, documentaries and entertainment.

Held annually, the best junior, adult amateur and professional competitors gather to vie for national championship titles at every level from Starter to Advanced. This ultimate test of horse and rider draws hundreds of combinations from around the country to compete for prize money and the chance to be named the National Champion at their respective levels. 

Coverage on EQUESTRIAN+ will include all phases of competition—dressage, cross country and show jumping—supplemented by professional commentary and comprehensive event coverage.

At a Glance: American Eventing Championships 2025

• Event: USEA American Eventing Championships
• Dates: August 27–31, 2025
• Livestream platform: www.equestrianplus.com
• Access: Free to view; no subscription or registration required

For additional information regarding the AEC, click here.

“Training a wild horse had always been on my bucket list and the event presented an ideal opportunity to test my skills as a trainer,” she said. “So, I decided to go for it.”

As it turned out, Wallace had natural talent for establishing a partnership with her first unbroken mustang, Fledge. With only 120 days of training, the pair took top honors at the makeover that year, and her close bond with the then 3-year-old chestnut gelding ignited her fervent passion and advocacy for American mustangs. “When you work with a wild horse who learns to let go of his fears and trust you, it’s a truly special experience,” she said.

From a trainer’s perspective, Wallace says mustangs have a unique ability to ground you because the relationship demands trust and a true partnership, which she notes directly correlates to the relationships she develops with her upper-level eventing horses. “We learn from all horses, but mustangs always seem to teach me something new,” she said. “They have huge hearts and are very versatile athletes, and I find it very important to showcase them for the incredible horses they are.”

Since 2012, Wallace went on to make her mark in mustang spheres after competing in numerous Mustang Makeovers and winning the 2018 Georgia Mustang TIP Challenge with Dorado. Last year, she and Zephyr claimed victory at the inaugural Mustang Classic, and her mustang mare Hwin was even honored as a Breyer model horse.

Despite managing a full-time training program for her constant string of up-and-coming eventing horses, Wallace carves time out of her busy schedule to give back to the animals who have gifted her with a lifetime of fulfillment and knowledge. Here, she talks about her journey with mustangs, her mount for this year’s Mustang Classic and why she’s so passionate about these horses.

The Little Mustang Who Opened Doors

When Wallace and Fledge won the Mustang Makeover in 2012, the horses were auctioned off following the event to help them find new homes, but the trainers also had an opportunity to get in on the bidding.

“I had developed such a close bond with Fledge in our short amount of time working together, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him,” she said. “When I got up to tell people about him for the auction, I just lost it. Someone in the crowed even shouted for people not to bid.”

In the end, Wallace took her mustang home for $140. “It was amazing to win him back because we’d built this incredible relationship,” she said. “I can’t even express how important this horse has been to me and my journey with mustangs.”

Connections she developed through her journey with Fledge led to Wallace partnering with one of her top and longtime eventing mounts, Australian Thoroughbred Simply Priceless. Fledge even achieved star status after being featured in an episode of the hit streaming series “Ozark.” At 15, he’s still going strong and thriving on Wallace’s farm in Ocala, Florida, where he continues to help develop her young horses and teach new riders.

Paying It Forward

One of the most rewarding aspects of training mustangs, Wallace notes, is seeing the ones she’s trained happy and excelling with their new owners. Following her and Zephyr’s success at last year’s Mustang Classic, the gelding found a new home and eventing partner in 15-year-old Brooke Testa, who trains with Anthem Day at Anthem Day Eventing in Cartersville, Georgia.

Wallace had the opportunity to get to know Testa while conducting a clinic at Anthem’s farm and thought highly of the budding young eventer’s talent after watching her aboard a BLM mustang that she and Anthem had trained. As it turned out, when Anthem was searching for a new horse for Testa, Wallace happened to be bringing along Zephyr in preparation for the Mustang Classic.

“Brooke watched all the videos of Zephyr being gentled and trained, and unbeknownst to me, had fallen in love with him,” Anthem said. “I had a more seasoned horse in mind for her. But we continued to observe his progress and watched the livestream of the Mustang Classic that he won.”

When Wallace got word they were interested in the gelding, she thought it would be a good match, and in October following the Mustang Classic, Testa at last got to give him a test ride. “I was blown away by how talented and willing he was,” Anthem recalled. “It really was a great match.”

Since Zephyr and Testa partnered, they’ve enjoyed competing in eventing at the Beginner Novice level, and Anthem says she’s enjoyed seeing their partnership blossom over the last few months. “Brooke’s patience and dedication are what continue to strengthen their partnership, as this is the first young horse she’s developed,” she said. “It’s been a very rewarding journey for all of us, and Zephyr continues to impress us with his aptitude for the sport.” 

After being partners for almost a year, Testa appreciates the trust she and the gelding share. “He’s the most trustworthy horse I’ve ever known. As soon as I’m around him, I feel so calm and relaxed. This has helped our partnership grow, because I can put all my trust in him,” she said. “I also love that he’s so silly and makes me laugh every time I’m with him. He gives me his all in every ride. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for us. Zephyr is truly a unicorn, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

Wallace says she was thrilled to bridge the gap to give Testa her dream horse. “There’s nothing better than seeing her having so much fun and being able to ride him bareback and in a neck rope and do all the things with horses that make our hearts content,” she said. “That’s what I love most about this.”

2025 Mustang Classic: Finding Nodin

Created to showcase mustangs’ talent and versatility in equestrian sport, the Mustang Classic, held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, offers competition in English disciplines including dressage, show jumping and working equitation. The twist, however, is that all mustangs must have been purchased or adopted through a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) holding facility or satellite event and are required to be in training between 100 days and one year.

The process of selecting a mustang for the event is challenging, Wallace explains, because there’s not much to base your decision on other than observing horses in the holding pens. “I look for basic conformation qualities and tend to prefer horses who are built uphill with longer necks,” she said. “But overall, it’s based on my gut feeling about certain horses and being able to read their conformation to envision what they’re capable of.”

In her search for this year’s partner, a tall, dark and handsome gelding with a white star and right-hind sock checked all the right boxes. The genetics panel is still out, but Wallace has a strong hunch that Nodin is at least a half-brother to Zephyr. They’re from the same herd and Wallace has noticed many similarities between the two. But at almost 15.2 hands, Nodin stands tall compared to most of his mustang peers.

It can be a big adjustment for a wild horse to go from being feral to being in a BLM holding pen and then into a new barn, so Wallace says helping them get used to a consistent routine is especially important when trying to help them settle in. In this effort, she strives to make everything a positive experience for the newcomers.

“When you’re first working with a wild horse who speaks a foreign language, it’s extremely important to first focus on gaining their trust. You have to show them that you’re not going to do them harm and want to be their friend,” she said. “I want them to enjoy being around me, so they don’t always associate me with work. So, I hand walk and graze them and take them to their breakfast and dinner. This way, they start to find comfort and safety with me.”

She then works on getting them halter broke and comfortable being touched from head to tail, picking up all four feet and leading them. Wallace says this is a crucial step in order to address any underlying health issues.

“After living in the wild, mustangs’ feet are sometimes in pretty poor condition. So, we need to get their feet trimmed, as well as deworm and treat them for ulcers, as soon as possible,” she said. “If they’re dealing with parasites or ulcers, we need to address it because when they feel better, the training becomes a lot easier.”

Baby Steps: Working on Nodin’s Timeline

Wallace confesses that working with mustangs is always a humbling experience. “They make you very self-aware and teach you that can’t work off of your timeline,” she said. “It’s always about the horse’s timeline.” Once Nodin was settled and relaxed in his new environment, she introduced him to groundwork and taught him to how to yield to pressure and longe in both directions.

“Every mustang I’ve worked with has been fairly different in how fast they pick the training up. Nodin came around pretty quickly and seemed interested in building a relationship, but he was insecure about certain things, so I made sure to break it down into small steps,” Wallace explained. “I introduced him to different saddles and pads and allowed him to get comfortable with me sitting up on a panel where I could lie over his back. Eventually, I swung a leg over and he just sat there and grazed. After that everything progressed a little faster.”

To introduce unbroken mustangs to the basics of dressage, Wallace focuses on foundation work and teaching the horses to move correctly and softly, which in turn helps them develop muscle strength where they might be a little weak.

“Dressage is actually a great way to start mustangs because it’s the basis of all the work we do, especially with me being an eventer,” she noted. “One of the key components for dressage is relaxation, so I work on making sure Nodin is very soft in the contact, traveling straight and correctly and on my aids.”

Wallace notes that Nodin is a little more forward thinking than many of her previous mustangs and loves to jump. While teaching cross-country lessons, she brought him with her on a lead line and slowly started to introduce him to obstacles and the water. “He was pretty much a natural at jumping from the beginning,” she said. “Later when I rode him out in the field he was completely confident over the fences.”

All Eyes on the 2025 Mustang Classic

Before the Mustang Classic, all horse-and-rider combinations must compete in at least one show. Wallace and Nodin had a successful experience at their first dressage show earlier this summer and competed at the POP show in Ocala, Florida, in July where the gelding jumped around like a champ. Wallace says it’s crucial for the mustangs to gain this experience before facing the massive atmosphere at Kentucky Horse Park’s Rolex Stadium.

“Kentucky can be a lot for any horse, but giving my mustangs knowledge beforehand helps create relaxation in those tenser environments,” she said. Wallace, however, laughs that while Kentucky’s atmosphere often gets to her seasoned upper-level horses, her mustangs always tend to take it in stride without getting overwhelmed.

“My ultimate goal this year is for both me and Nodin to go in confident and stay focused on our foundation work that we have so much confidence in,” she said. “The big picture is to demonstrate that through methodical training based on trust, you produce a horse who’s relaxed and happy in his work. That way, whatever type of obstacle we’re faced with we can meet it successfully.”

The Magic of Mustangs

While Wallace appreciates that the Mustang Classic offers English events, she finds working with mustangs continues to expand her skills as a rider and trainer no matter the discipline or competition.

“I enjoyed learning about Western disciplines for the Mustang Makeovers because it pushed me as rider. Learning how to teach a horse to do a sliding stop or a spin directly correlates to your dressage work,” she said. “When you take the saddle off and ride bareback, a trained horse is a trained horse. It doesn’t matter if it’s Western, dressage or jumping.”

Above all, she highlights the versatility of mustang equine athletes and says once you establish a genuine connection with a wild horse, that trust enables you to go any direction. “Mustangs are becoming more and more popular. They come in every shape, size and color, and we’re seeing them competing and excelling in dressage, eventing and jumping,” Wallace said. “The Mustang Classic allows us to be ambassadors for these horses to show people what they’re capable of.”

Wallace also notes the inclusivity of the mustang community. “No matter your skill level, everyone is willing to help and provide advice,” she said. “We always want to help those who adopt mustangs, and there are a lot of people willing to train these horses to get them out of the pens and into good homes.”

For More:

• For more information on the 2025 Mustang Classic, click here.
• To purchase tickets to the Championship Finals on September 6, click here.
• You can livestream the entire event for free on EQUESTRIAN+ or catch the action after the competition with a subscription.
• For more information on lodging and dining in the Lexington area, click here.
• You can read more about Elisa Wallace here or at Elisa Wallace Eventing.

Mustang Classic 2025: Tentative Schedule

Representing a large East Coast contingent, this year’s Aachen CHIO Team Silver medalist Will Coleman was CCI4*-L reserve champion with Team Rebecca’s Fahrenheit Addict. Long time Rebecca Farm advocate Jennie Brannigan made her annual trip to Montana well worth it. Last year’s CCI4*-L champion took home third and fifth finishes on Nina Gardner’s Connory and Kismet, respectively.

Smith was also fourth in the CCI4*-L with the Kynan Syndicate’s Kynan and second in the CCI4*-S with Jutopia, owned by Molly Duda. The level of her accomplishments was rivaled only by the intensity of her emotions and those of Mai Baum’s people and his fans. Smith considers Lillet and Kynan among a current string of horses that can contend anywhere in the world going forward. “But my reality this week has been realizing that there will likely never be another Mai Baum.”

Asking to retire Team USA’s winningest horse of the last decade at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, was fitting for Mai Baum and for The Event’s place in the sport. 

“We’re so grateful to the Broussard family for everything they do for the sport and for hosting Mai Baum’s ceremony,” Smith said. Ellen Ahearn spoke on behalf of her family—husband Eric Markell and their daughter Alex Ahearn—in echoing Smith’s appreciation as Mai Baum’s owners. 

In the first year of their partnership, Mai Baum and Smith won The Event’s CCI3* and have been in the winner’s circle many times since. “Rebecca Farm holds a very special place for us,” Ahearn said in thanking everyone from Mai Baum’s veterinarians, physios and farriers to those who documented his odyssey, including The Event’s official photographers Shannon Brinkman and Sherry Stewart.

A Fine Farewell

Mai Baum returned the favor by delighting his fans all week. On Thursday, his 22 dressage score broke The Event’s record, per EquiRatings data going back to 2008.  He cruised around cross country Saturday and was cheered from start to finish. After double clear show jumping on Sunday, the 19-year-old German Sport Horse raced away from the finish line looking like he wanted to do it all over again. 

Alex Ahearn rode “Lexus” in the CCI4*-S victory gallop and throughout the retirement ceremony. Then his saddle was stripped off and a beautiful wreath was placed around his neck. The gelding then posed for pictures with fans before taking a stroll on the grass with his longtime friend and frequent groom Alyssa Dobrotin astride bareback. It was a moving, fun and inspiring end to his inspiring international career.

Appreciation of The Event extended beyond Mai Baum’s circle. Visiting the 640-acre, family-owned property for the first time, Coleman said everything about it surpassed his expectations. “Everybody says great things about Rebecca Farm, but you really have to experience it,” he noted.

The setting in Flathead Valley, near Glacier National Park, is breathtaking. But Coleman spoke most emphatically of the welcoming vibe—from the Broussard family to volunteers wishing him good luck in the start box, to fellow riders and new and old fans. 

East Comes West

“We’re thrilled to see so many East Coast people finally making the trip out here,” said organizer Sarah Broussard. Longtime advocates like Brannigan have urged their East Coast contemporaries to make the trip for years. 

This year, $59,000 in Travel Grants from the Rebecca Broussard Charitable Trust Foundation helped 23 riders significantly defray trip expenses. For Coleman, 2025’s lack of international championships was another factor that helped make his long overdue visit possible.

Above all, Broussard is thrilled The Event met her definition of success—no major incidents or safety issues and horses and humans clearly enjoying the property and their time as part of the Rebecca Farm family. 

A very positive response to new designer Jay Hambly’s courses is icing on the cake. Across the FEI divisions, seasoned riders praised the tests as squarely up to the standards for each division and as great preparation for pairs targeting international success. The footing also got great reviews—from riders and in the form of fresh, frisky horses logging numerous clear, fast rounds in show jumping after nearly maximum length cross-country efforts the previous day.

Meeting The Mandate 

Supporting horses and riders with championship goals was a mandate established by The Event’s founder Rebecca Broussard. Bringing riders of all levels together was another primary goal. Counting split divisions, The Event hosted 36 different classes this year. Nearly 600 horses competed in levels ranging from Beginner Novice to the CCI4*-L, including two sections each in the Training and Novice Three Days.  

Lost in 2010 to breast cancer, “Becky” Broussard left a legacy that remains as vibrant as the pink that popped everywhere throughout the week to promote Halt Cancer at X (HCX). Coming into this year’s Event, the HCX initiative had raised over $1 million for breast cancer research and patient support. At the Saturday night exhibitors party, another $68,000 was raised in an online auction and donations are still welcome here.

“We are really excited to have everybody come back next year for our 25^th year,” Broussard said.

Pelligrini Stays Atop the CCI3*-L 

Former West Coaster Meg Pellegrini gets credit for nudging her coach Coleman to make the trip to Montana. But her biggest accomplishments this week were winning the CCI3*-L with Falcon Crown Z and finishing fourth with Cooley Wish Upon A Star. The 20-year-old rode both to double-clear and with quiet equitation required by “Falcon.” “He doesn’t feel the way he looks,” Pellegrini explained. “His body is kind of broken up in parts, so I have to be really good with my body position or he’ll get over his shoulder.” 

Being able to observe and absorb Coleman and his wife Katie’s riding style every day at their Virginia and Florida bases helps. And so does having Coleman’s former mount, Dondante, as a school master. “It was a huge help having him this winter and spring to hop on and practice difficult lines and technical things,” she shared of the horse she leases from Team Rebecca. 

Besides a nice break, what’s next for both horses is not nailed down except that they’re both targeting big futures with the accomplished young rider. 

California professional James Alliston was thrilled about Anna Nicholas’ HMR Rolan’s entire week here. “That was a long course yesterday,” he stressed. “Part of being a good upper-level horse is being able to show jump even when you’re a little weary.” The 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse jumped double clear for a second-place finish on his 28.9 dressage score.

Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing’s Qatar M incurred just .8 time penalties to retain their third-place standing on a 31.7. 

Tommy Greengard Keeps the CCI3*-S Lead 

With a rail in hand and a horse that seems capable of jumping the moon, Tommy Greengard didn’t press for time in keeping the lead for Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad. “I wanted to give him a nice ride and do him justice because he deserves that,” he said. They added .8 time faults to end on a 32.3 and high hopes for the future. Greengard noted that the US American Eventing Championship (AEC), at Southern California’s Galway Downs in August, is on their radar. “After that is the million-dollar question,” he said. “He’ll go as far as he wants to!”

Second- and third-place finisher Erin Kellerhouse will be at the AEC, too. Based at Galway Downs, her two horses, Bon Vivant GWF and Ringwood Adios Amigo, seem set up for success after this weekend’s impressive performances. 

Dani Sussman Seizes CCI2*-L 

Cross-country and show jumping double clears enabled seasoned professionals Dani Sussman and Alliston to spotlight future stars in the 1 and 2 rungs of this division. The standings were tight and a mid-course rail sent overnight leader and young rider Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild into fifth.

Colorado-based Sussman is excited about Water Valley Royal Guy’s potential. He won the division by finishing on his 27.4 dressage score and heads home with experience that’s hard to get elsewhere. “The atmosphere the young ones get here is amazing,” she said. “The crowds, the music, the beautifully decorated fences … they get all kinds of exposure by coming here.”

Alliston and Arnell Sporthorses’ Made by Leontine EB took their 27.6 dressage score to a red ribbon after show jumping. He was thrilled with every phase. “This Long format is a big step up for him, especially on grass and in an unfamiliar venue with so much atmosphere,” he said. “I’m happy with how he handled everything.” 

Accomplished Young Rider pair Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz kept their third place, adding .4 time penalties to finish on a 27.9. 

Alyssa Phillips Takes the CCI1*-L Win

Florida-based professional Alyssa Phillips and her 6-year-old mount Centerfold secured a decisive, wire-to-wire win with another double-clear jumping effort to finish on their 31.5 dressage effort. It was their first time stadium jumping after cross-country and he came out “quite mellow, which was nice,” Phillips noted. Coming into The Event, she expected the normally spooky youngster to be a looky-loo, but on cross country and show jumping he acted mostly like a pro. “He spooked a little bit at the smallest log out there yesterday, but that was it,” she quipped. 

Everything about the week here contributed to Centerfold’s development. Phillips is targeting the World Sport Horse Breeding Federation’s 2026 7-year-old championships and this win was a great milestone. “There are only a few shows in America that have this kind of atmosphere, yet it’s not in an overwhelming way,” she said. “I think he’s come out of this week much better than where he started.”

Renee Price, an amateur rider from Alberta, Canada, wasn’t planning on The Event this year until she saw the CCI1* on the agenda. Partnered with the 15-year-old She Owns The Room for 10 years, Price said their past outings here were memorable for the wrong reasons—namely refusals. Yet it all came together for their FEI debut this year. The oil-and-gas-industry product control officer and her beautiful chestnut mare head home on their 39.2 dressage score, flying a bright red ribbon.

Texas-based professional Rebecca Brown and her own Magic EB moved up into third after finishing dressage in 12^th place.

For More:

• Learn more about The Event at Rebecca Farm here.
• To read more about Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, click here. 

Nestled in the red and white pine forests of Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, Traverse City Horse Shows at Flintfields Horse Park is ideally postured between Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake and is home to 130 acres of pristine showgrounds that welcome more than 1,800 horses during the peak of its summer show season.

What started as a one-month, mid-summer show now spans over 13 weeks from June through September and hosts such prestigious events as the American Gold Cup, Longines FEI Jumping World Cup CSI5*-W and FEI North American Youth Championships with top riders representing 48 states and 26 countries, thousands of attendees and $7 million in prize money.

Since 2015, Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) management has continued to invest in the growth and modernization of the venue with the goal of transforming it into one of the premier venues for equestrian sport in North America. TCHS Communications Director Gary Howe says that every improvement aims to enhance the experience for the horses, riders and spectators.

“Riders like us in part, because the owners continually put revenue back into the park, and I think that’s reflected by the top-level riders we draw,” Howe said. “We have 12 weeks of competition where there is at least one Olympic rider here, as well as other five-star riders.”

Olympian and show-jumping legend Margie Engle has been coming to TCHS since the Morrissey Management Group took over the show’s management in 2015 and has brought many clients to the venue over the seasons. A longtime fan of Gene Misch’s jumping competitions, she feels the Morrissey group has provided an extension of what Misch started in the sport. “Gene was an innovator by starting the grand prix tour in America and did so much for the sport of show jumping,” she said. “The Morrissey group has basically carried on his legend.”

Engle appreciates the attention to detail TCHS provides for the exhibitors, horses, grooms and spectators alike, and that management constantly seeks feedback on ways they can continue to improve. “Traverse City has become a home away from home. Their organization and management is world class. They always hire the best people—whether it’s at the in-gates, the jump crew, the barn managers and everyone involved,” she said. “And their shows are extremely inclusive and have divisions for all levels—no matter what level of jumping you’re doing.”  

From its state-of-the-art show facilities catering to both horse and rider’s well-being, ever-improving amenities and cool summer climate to its superior management, tranquil scenery and proximity to a myriad of summer activities and fine dining, the Traverse City experience continues to attract thousands of riders while also captivating new audiences. Here, we take a look at what it’s all about.

Creating a Premier Summer Show Destination

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event in its entirety was known as the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival and lasted from four to six weeks. During the summer of 2020, however, when Michigan opened outdoor sporting events for competitors after pandemic restrictions had halted national and international sports during the spring, the show committee launched into action.

“The pandemic actually helped us expand. Even though we didn’t have spectators that summer, it helped us fast forward some growth plans that were already in the works,” Howe explained. “It turned out to be an amazing opportunity, and we added the Traverse City Spring Series, as well as the Tournament of Champions in the fall. Now, all together, we have 13 weeks of showing with 12 of those weeks being FEI competitions.”

Along with top riders, TCHS has also attracted a swath of upper-level events that continue to help boost their growth, including the FEI North American Youth Championship as well as a Nations Cup and three five-star grand prixs this year. “All of these things play into making sure that we are the premier summer show destination,” Howe said.

The expansion of TCHS also makes a significant contribution to the local economy each summer, with one 2021 study estimating the duration of that year’s show brought in roughly $130 million to the area. But even more important than the economic benefit, Howe, who grew up near the horse park, says the showgrounds have also had a positive cultural impact on the local community.

“This was always cherry country. And while it’s been transitioning for years, the community held on to their love for wide-open agrarian views,” he said. “These days, there are still cherry orchards, but also equestrian farms. And in a way it’s kept that same feel, which is a pretty good trade-off.”

Stay—and Show—Awhile: Why Riders Love TCHS

While Traverse City can be logistically challenging for riders in some parts of the country, Howe says a lot of people come up and stay for the summer. “Our average stay for competitors is over 30 days,” he said. “There are plenty of barns around the country who come and stay for the whole season.”

Now that Engle isn’t competing abroad as much, she stays in Traverse City and competes for most of the summer. And compared to the steamy temps in her homebase of Wellington, Florida, she says the weather in northern Michigan is second to none during their show season.

“It’s probably cooler here at this time of year than anywhere else in the world. Even places in Europe we used to go to have been warmer in recent years,” she noted. “I enjoy showing all over the world, but the weather here and the people in the Midwest are just really wonderful.”

International show jumper Hunter Holloway of Topeka, Kansas, who currently operates out of California, is also a TCHS regular and appreciates the management’s dedication to continual improvement.

“We come every year. You can’t beat the management and the facilities are top-notch. Every year they’re always doing improvements,” Holloway said. “You come back and there’s something new and better for the exhibitors, the horses, the spectators—all of it. Plus, you can’t beat the weather, and the downtown Traverse City area is amazing.”

For some, the event presents a family-bonding experience. Mom-and-daughter riders Amy and Eden Immerfall of Charleston, South Carolina, stay in the Traverse City area for the summers with the rest of their family and enjoy pursuing their equestrian passions away from home.

“It’s so much fun here. The staff is so nice and friendly, and the jumping courses were a lot of fun,” 12-year-old Eden, who is competing at TCHS for the second time, said. “The food is really great, too. I love the chicken tenders.”

Amy, who competed in the meter jumpers, enjoyed her first experience at TCHS this summer. “It’s so beautiful here and the weather is amazing. I also love that it’s all so walkable and feels small, but there are so many upper-level riders here,” she said. “You get to watch the best in world, and then you get to ride. It really feels like an honor to get to show here.”

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Easy Access

With thousands of horses, riders, grooms and support teams flooding in and out of Flintfields Horse Park throughout the summer, the venue has been expertly designed to facilitate both equine and human athletes, as well as their entourage of trainers, grooms and family.

The park is currently home to six permanent barns with modern, secure stabling, roomy stalls and ample storage space for those who stay long-term, and Howe says they aim to add two additional barns per year, simply based on construction limitations during the winter. During peak season, they expand the facilities across 18 temporary barns with 2,100 stalls. Turnout paddocks and shaded grazing and turnout areas are also available.

“We build in March and April and make sure all new construction projects are finished by May before people start moving in,” he said. “We’ve recently added new judges’ booths and we’re always updating the footing—refreshing or replacing it if needed.”

The park boasts a total of 15 rings including seven show arenas with premium GGT Footing, plus those for schooling and longeing, and additional facilities are constantly being added to meet the needs of growing international competition.

Another advantage of being in northern Michigan, Howe notes, is the natural sand footing around the grounds. “It drains really well naturally, but the FEI schooling ring and the FEI grand prix ring have a state-of-the-art pooling mechanism underneath, so it helps the arena dry quickly after rain,” he said. “Even if we have a big storm, a couple hours later after a quick drag, we’re back up and running.”

Engle appreciates continual improvements to the barns, stalls and footing and says management always keeps the horses’ well-being at the forefront of their plans. In these efforts, they recently opened a new area of expansive forest where riders can trail ride to give their horses a reprieve from the show environment.

“It’s a beautiful piece of land and gives the horses and riders a break to get off the showgrounds and wander around in a nice, open space in nature to relax,” Engle said. “We don’t’ get a lot of that at many places, so that’s a huge bonus.”

Through their partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, TCHS recently opened this mile-long bridle path that runs south of the property. “It’s already become a rider favorite,” Howe laughed. “Margie isn’t the only one raving about it!”

All major show arenas have massive, high-resolution video boards with all classes being livestreamed daily on Clip My Horse. “The boss likes to brag that we have the second largest fiber network outside of the local hospital,” Howe laughed. “But that’s really important when we have the World Cup broadcast on CBS Sports. And last year, we had two competitions on ESPN 3.”

The airport is 10 minutes from the venue, and as for lodging, the horse park is 10 minutes south of Elk Rapids, and Traverse City—the hub of northern Michigan—is 15 minutes west with a plethora of hotels, motels, long-term suites and rental homes and condos. (There are even beachfront rental homes on nearby lakeshores.) Even closer to the park at just two miles down the road and with plenty of lodging options are the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

“It’s really convenient that everything is so close. I know there are plenty of shows where you’re off in the middle of nowhere,” Howe said. “Plus, there are lots of great restaurants in Traverse City. So, it’s a nice reward after putting in a 14-hour day at the show, you can be in a fine-dining establishment 10 minutes later.”

Among Engle’s many favorite restaurants in the Traverse City area, Forest—A Food Studio tops her list. The cozy eatery offers family-style seating and a seasonal menu that changes monthly. “It’s kind of like a food experience with tapas-style servings and is always fun because you get to meet people from all over the world and try different types of food including their pastas made from scratch. It’s all fantastic and definitely a unique dining opportunity.” (See “Good Eats: Dining in Traverse City” below for more recommendations.)

Broad Appeal: Fun for All

In addition to making TCHS a top destination for equestrians and their horses, Howe and the show management team strive to make the experience enjoyable for spectators who are new to the sport.

“I’m trying to bridge the gap between people who are new to equestrian sport and those who’ve been in the game for a long time,” Howe said. “Before, a lot of the messaging was really focused on the equestrian world. But the locals didn’t understand what we were talking about. You can’t really advertise for a grand prix or a five-star when people have no idea what that means.”

But Howe’s education efforts have paid off, and people in the local community have started to recognize the top level of equestrian sport in their backyard and are continuing to come back year after year and even cheer for their favorite horses and riders.

“There’s definitely nowhere else in Michigan where you can watch Olympic athletes compete all summer,” he said. “It’s such a beautiful destination and people come out and relax and have drinks with friends or grab a bite and sit in the sun and watch the action.”

Howe notes management’s efforts to create both a horse- and family-friendly atmosphere. “At major shows, the industry average is about 3.2 people per horse,” he said. “We have an average of five to six people per horse—mainly because we’re in northern Michigan and it’s such a great place to come in the summer that everyone brings their families.”

Equestrian or not, the venue offers a little bit for everyone with a wine museum, kids’ play area and plenty of notable nosh spots. Concessions include yummy quick-service staples like French fries, burritos and chicken tenders, as well as the uber-popular Great Lakes Lemonade stand and a rotating fleet of food trucks with offerings like pizza and acai bowls. Other on-site favorites for food and drink include the Cabana Coast Club, the Bonobo Bar (with wine offerings from their local vineyard) and One Trick Pony coffee bar with organic Higher Ground roasts.

In addition to their regular fare, this summer’s special events include a Farm to Stable Dinner Series with celebrity chefs including James Rigato, Sarah Welch and Joe VanWagner, along with local farmer and winemakers. “We wanted these dinners to have a distinctly local take on culinary creativity,” Howe said. “So, every menu will be designed with ingredients sourced from farms in northern Michigan.”

During her long stays in Traverse City over the summers, Engle has lots of non-equestrian family and friends visit and says, in addition to stopping by the show, they enjoy the multitude of outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities in the area.

“We do everything from going to the wineries and enjoying the local history to hiking, sightseeing at the rock cliffs and sand dunes and renting a boat to go out on Torch Lake,” she said. “For those of who show regularly, we even have a weekly poker game in the VIP tent, which is always a fun social escape where we don’t talk horses for bit.”

While Howe says it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the local community that there’s a lot of money involved in the sport, he finds the people who work so hard and are 100% committed to their equestrian goals more paramount to the experience.

“There is so much passion behind this sport,” he said. “You’re not going to find anyone who works harder than people at horse shows—from every level. And I’m really trying to build an appreciation for that here.”

Click here to watch a video from Traverse City Horse Shows 2025.

The Event features Olympic-level three-day eventing competition ranging from CCI4*-L to Beginner Novice. It includes Training and Novice Three-Day divisions that promote the sport’s training foundation.

Nestled near the gateway to Glacier National Park, Rebecca Farm provides one of the most beautiful backdrops in the sport. Cross-country tracks run over most of the farm’s 640 acres, with obstacles that are as charming to see and as they are challenging to navigate. Spectators are welcome at no charge, volunteers are greatly appreciated and a vibrant vendor area provides shopping and food opportunities galore. 

The Event’s Shopping Fair and Festival are open Thursday through Sunday, with free Kids Zone fun Friday through Sunday and delicious food all five days. Patron opportunities provide visitors a chance to support the sport and enjoy a shaded viewing areas with fresh-baked goodies and weekend buffet lunches.

Much of the The Event’s action will be live streamed by RNS Video Media.

Rock Star Rosters

Sport superstars highlight The Event’s international divisions. Last year’s CCI4*-L champion Jennie Brannigan returns from Pennsylvania to defend her title with two horses—Kismet and Connory. 

Fellow Team USA veterans, Will Coleman and Tamie Smith, from Virginia and California, respectively, will be after the same honor. Coleman is fresh from earning Team Silver at the Aachen CSIO in Germany and he is competing aboard Fahrenheit Addict in this division. Smith has two up and comers in the CCI4*-L—Lillet 3 and Kynan. 

But it may be Smith’s 19-year-old Mai Baum that lures the limelight. Her eventing partner for 10 years of globe-trotting international competition will retire after completing the CCI4*-S division, with show jumping on Sunday. “This venue shaped both of our careers,” Smith explained of one of several reasons Mai Baum will retire at Rebecca Farm.

These seasoned stars will have their hands full with likely future team riders. Tommy Greengard of California and Briggs Surrat of Florida are among the many to watch tackle the veterans for podium places. 

Virginia-based Allison Springer returns to Montana for the first time since 2011. That’s when her partner Arthur famously took offense to a statue in the jumping ring, erasing their 11-point lead for “the worst show jumping round ever,” Springer remembers. Yet, The Event lost none of its luster, and she’s thrilled to be returning with Van Dyke for the CCI4*-L. 

“I’ve been back to coach young riders and it’s such a beautiful place and I think it will work out well for what my horse needs this year.” She’s excited about Jay Hambly’s designs in his first year as head course designer—following Ian Stark’s 12-year run as international course designer at Rebecca Farm. 

Springer was one of 23 riders awarded a Rebecca Farm Travel Grant. “That was hugely helpful in being able to make this decision,” she said. “I love the Broussard family and they are so amazing and generous.”

The Event has extra incentives this year as a qualifier for the USEA American Eventing Championships, presented by Nutrena, August 27 to 31 in Temecula, California, and as a qualifier for the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing, set for October 9 to12, at Virginia’s Morven Park. 

“We are really excited to have everybody back,” says event organizer Sarah Broussard.

An Impactful Event

The Event’s impact goes beyond the horse world with Halt Cancer at X. The charitable initiative was launched in 2012 by Sarah Broussard in honor of her late mother, Rebecca Broussard, who founded the competition in 2002. Through Halt Cancer at X, Montana Equestrian Events has provided more than $1 million in grant funds to innovative breast cancer research projects and to local non-profits that offer financial and wellness services to breast cancer patients.  

Funds are raised by donations and an auction featuring premiere stabling and RV camp sites for The Event in 2026, plus a Whitefish Mountain winter vacation during the upcoming ski season. Donations and bids on these items can be made here. (Auction bidding closes Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 p.m.)

The Event also makes a year-round impact on equestrian sport with generous grant programs. The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants began in 2011. They are administered by the US Eventing Association in honor of Rebecca “Becky” Broussard’s legacy of assisting and encouraging riders pursuing the sport’s highest levels. 

The Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant, aka the “Big Becky,” awards $50,000 to an international quality rider and the “Little Becky” National Developing Rider Grant awards $10,000 to riders on a similar path.

Smith received both Grants at a critical juncture in her international career. “It was a catapult,” she said. “It was a bunch of people saying, ‘We think you have what it takes!’”

Volunteers Welcome

There’s always a lot going on at The Event and that requires a lot of volunteers—typically about 250. Volunteers support the safety of all visitors, convey The Event’s world-renown hospitality and ensure smooth operations.  

Volunteering at The Event is famously fun and no experience is required for most positions. There’s a perfect post for most ages and abilities and roles range from assisting in the arenas or on the cross-country course, to spectator parking, hospitality, food services and pedestrian crossings. 

Volunteering info and sign-ups can be found here.

For More: The Event at Rebecca Farm 2025

• For competitor information, click here.
• To access live scoring via Show Connect, click here.
• Sign up to volunteer here.
• For spectator information, including the schedule and facility map, click here.
• Watch The Event live on RNS Video Media here.
• For more information on Halt Cancer at X, click here.

The 2025 competition will unfold across three separate events:

1. Summer Tour 1: June 13–15
2. Summer Tour 2: June 18–22
3. Summer Tour 3: June 25–29

With upper-level riders, rising stars and top equine athletes competing in scenic Southern California, this Summer Tour is poised to be one of the season’s standout events.

The livestream will be available directly through the EQUESTRIAN+ platform, with no subscription or membership required. Fans can expect multi-camera coverage, expert commentary, behind-the-scenes content and spotlight features on top competitors.

The Summer Tour is becoming a favorite on the North American circuit, offering a unique blend of competitive sport, elite talent and an inviting atmosphere that captures the spirit of equestrian excellence.

About EQUESTRIAN+

EQUESTRIAN+ is the leading digital platform for live and on-demand equestrian sport coverage, delivering high-quality streaming experiences to fans worldwide. From Grand Prix jumping to educational content and lifestyle features, EQUESTRIAN+ is the home for all things equestrian.

About Nilforushan Equisport Events

Nilforushan Equisport Events is known for producing world-class competitions that blend sport, hospitality and innovation. With a focus on athlete experience and fan engagement, NEE events continue to raise the bar for equestrian competition in the U.S.

You find more on Nilforushan Equisport Events that are livestreaming here.

Unfortunately, war in Nilforushan’s home country of Iran resulted in trying times for his family and a pause on riding. Eventually, his family immigrated to San Diego, California, and Nilforushan picked up his horse habit again at age 12. “Then, it was just history, and that’s all I ever wanted to do after that,” he said. 

For Nilforushan, horses were an escape as he didn’t have many friends at school as a kid in California.

“I came from a country that was known for not good things here [in the U.S.]. I remember when I was in school at the drinking fountain and nobody would drink water after me,” he said. “But when I was around horses, it didn’t matter who I was or where I was from. So, the horses kept me in this beautiful bubble.”

From the past to present day, Nilforushan is thankful for having horses in his life. “It’s literally the greatest gift that could have ever come to me, so I never take it for granted,” he said. “I consider myself the luckiest person to have had this beautiful sport come into my life.”

From Humble Beginnings To the Olympics

After starting riding lessons, Nilforushan gravitated toward show jumping. “Once you start riding, you tend to tap into your passion,” he said. “And my passion was show jumping, so I kept going with it.” 

Over the next several years, Nilforushan honed his skills as a rider and worked his way up the show-jumping ranks to the top level of the sport. He began training with Eric Navet, French Olympic and world championship medalist, to help him achieve top international results with several mounts. 

Nilforushan considers himself fortunate to have connected with talented horses throughout his riding career. With Campione M, he became the first Iranian equestrian to compete at an Olympic Games in 2000 in Sydney, Australia. The pair qualified for the Individual Final, but when Campione M turned his back on Nilforushan in the stall before the final jog, it was a sign to withdraw from the competition.

 “It was clear that at that point he’d had enough competing for the week,” he said. “Eric Navet always taught us to be horsemen before sportsmen.”

Nilforushan also achieved a string of impressive results with Cellist 2. In 2006, the pair competed at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They qualified for the FEI World Equestrian Games that year, but after Cellist was diagnosed with a lung problem, Nilforushan opted not to compete at the major event to prioritize the horse’s health.

“I was lucky enough to do some very good things with him,” he said of Cellist 2. “He was a really wonderful trier.”  

Taking on the Role of Horse Show Organizer

Competing at international championships and national events allowed Nilforushan to partake in a variety of horse-show experiences. In 2017, he believed it was time to change up the horse-show model that he was experiencing, so he decided to retire from competition to pursue horse-show management. “I realized there were a lot of things I could do to change the sport because what I was seeing was not enjoyable for me anymore,” Nilforushan said.

His first foray into show organization was at the National Sunshine Series, which he purchased from the Langer Group. Shortly after, he sold the show to Tom Struzzieri, formerly of HITS Horse Shows. Nilforushan then took a hiatus before creating his ideal horse-show experience. 

“I just waited for my opportunity to do what I envisioned without having to be apologetic or worry about how long it’s going to take for it to be profitable,” Nilforushan explained.

He founded Nilforushan Equisport Events, a horse-show management company, with his wife, Francie Nilforushan. The company developed the Temecula Valley National Horse Shows at Galway Downs Equestrian in Temecula, California. The endeavor proved to be popular with competitors and grew into a successful show series led by Nilforushan.

“I always thought I could make a wonderful show experience for everybody involved,” he said. “You learn what you expect as a rider and trainer. Now to be in a position where I can make those things happen is probably one of the best parts.”

With his horse shows, Nilforushan aims to address what he believes is the hardest part of equestrian sport: lack of opportunity. He tries to cater to both competitors and spectators alike by producing USEF-rated shows with prize money classes, affordable showing options and first-class VIP experiences. Entertainment is also a factor at Nilforushan’s shows with live music, game nights and social events.

“When you come to our shows, there are so many different opportunities for people,” he explained. Whether it’s free entries for young horses and Thoroughbreds or different tiered levels of stable pricing.” 

New Ventures on the West Coast

Nilforushan’s horse-show management style and expertise caught the attention of Equine Network, who acquired a controlling interest in the successful enterprise in December 2024. In addition to continuing to run the Temecula Valley National Horse Shows, Nilforushan and his team are organizing The Oaks, a revamped show series held at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, California.  

“That’s an iconic venue for the West Coast,” Nilforushan said. Noting that some of the West Coast competitors head East in the summertime, he believes The Oaks is an important part of the California competition calendar. “That’s always been my dream to have something that we can rally around in the summertime and not have to leave. And I believe that we’re going be able to do that,” he added.

The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park is undergoing numerous upgrades for The Oaks. Nilforushan explained that all arenas are getting new footing, and the Ebb & Flow Arena will have a stadium-like feel. A new kitchen is also being built for a high-quality dining experiences in the VIP areas. Additional changes are also set to give competitors and spectators a whole new experience at the venue. 

“The layout is going to be different; the vendor area is going to be different. It’s a dramatic change,” Nilforushan said. “We’re doing some arena shifting. A lot of them are the same arenas. But they’ll have a completely different feel because of what we’re doing around them.”

Even with the new opportunity with The Oaks, Nilforushan’s vision remains the same. 

“As I walk around all day at my horse shows watching, I try to put myself in other people’s shoes, and I realized that I’m in a position where I can affect their lives and improve their show experiences,” he said. “I think it’s actually beneficial that I didn’t come from a horse-show organizing background, because I always look at things as a trainer, rider or owner, and do what I think is best from that perspective.” 

For More:

• Listen to our Practical Horseman Podcast with Ali Nilforushan here.
• To learn more about Nilforushan Equisport Events, click here.
  

Editor’s note: Equine Network also owns Practical Horseman.

I am majoring in equestrian studies and proudly serve as one of four team captains on the SCAD Equestrian Team, holding the role of First-Year Coordinator. In this specific role, I assist incoming freshmen in acclimating to the dual responsibilities of being student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of upholding our team’s lasting legacy.

Since joining the SCAD Equestrian Team in the Fall of 2022, I have been dedicated to advancing my equestrian skills and contributing to our team’s success. I’ve been riding almost my whole life and wanted to continue my passion for horses throughout college and my future career.

I’ve been riding and competing within the Arabian Circuit for the last 10 years and have a newfound love for the world of hunter/jumpers. My time at SCAD has introduced me to IHSA and the hunter/jumper discipline. This exposure to a new discipline and association has significantly broadened my riding capabilities, allowing me to become a more versatile and well-rounded rider.

Under the guidance of our two amazing coaches, Ashley Henry and Sammy Perlman, my IHSA journey has been incredibly fulfilling. Their mentorship, combined with the support of my teammates, who have become like family, has enriched my collegiate equestrian experience to the fullest. Additionally, working with so many exceptional horses graciously donated to our program has provided me with so much new knowledge and insight into my personal growth and development as a rider.

The Road to Nationals

There was so much hard work and dedication not only for me but also for my whole team, which contributed to getting us to Nationals this year. There was so much dedication on my part to get to this point with active riding almost every day and working out mentally and physically to be the best version of myself before the competition. 

My coach sent us all a quote by Julie Reed before the show really resonated with me: “Going to practice is the most minimal thing you can do. Everyone goes to practice. Champions are great because of what they do outside of practice.”

The importance of showing up every day and working just as hard outside the barn is so significant. The SCAD Equestrian team brought about 15 horses to IHSA Nationals, so we prepared ourselves and prepped our horses all week at the show. We made sure they were looking and feeling their best, not only for our riders, but for everyone else. I worked inside the barn all week to help get our horses out for schooling and their designated classes. It was a whirlwind of a week, and I watched many of my other teammates compete before my class on Saturday. 

On the day of my competition, I focused on mental and physical readiness, including stretching and observing the horses during their schooling sessions. At the draw table, I engaged in meaningful conversations with fellow competitors, harnessing a sense of community before we all stepped foot in the same arena. I was fortunate to draw Dee, one of our own horses and a personal favorite of mine, which was an unreal experience. Competing on Dee was truly special, and I was honored to place 10th in a highly competitive class. Even though it wasn’t the placing I had hoped for, I am still very proud of my performance, and most importantly, I had fun and a great ride. 

Not only was the competition a success, but I also met some amazing people throughout the weekend. I got to have great conversations with the people I was competing against, not only at the draw table, but also after we had all competed against one another. Everyone I talked to was supportive and kind, and it was nice to make connections while at the show.

Beyond the competition, the relationships forged with fellow riders and my coaches and my teammates’ support made my trip to the IHSA Nationals extremely fulfilling. The horses, the people, and my coaches being there with me every step of the way is what made it so impactful for me. I am so grateful to have such great support and cannot wait to work even harder. As I look forward to my Senior year, I am committed to building upon this foundation, striving for excellence, and contributing to the success of the SCAD Equestrian Team. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community, and I’m excited to have one last year as a SCAD Bee and a member of this amazing association. 

Find out more information about the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association here.

Learn more about the 2025 IHSA National Championship here.

The 2025 dates for the Temecula Valley National Series are as follows:

1. Temecula Valley National 1: May 21–25
2. Temecula Valley National 2: May 28–June 1
3. Temecula Valley National 3: June 4–8

Held at the renowned Galway Downs, these events showcase some of the nation’s top equestrian athletes competing in world-class hunter, jumper and equitation competition. Each week offers exciting highlights, including Grand Prix competitions, junior and amateur divisions and innovative course designs—all set against the backdrop of Temecula’s scenic landscape.

Tune in to EQUESTRIAN+ to register for free and experience the competitions as Nilforushan Equisport Events continues to redefine excellence in equestrian sport.

For more information and livestream access, visit www.equestrianplus.com

Read more about Ali Nilforushan and Nilforushan Equisport Events here.