For riders competing in the Classic Format divisions at the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge & Three Day Event, Endurance Day offers a unique opportunity to experience the roots of eventing. Traditional long-format competitions are becoming increasingly uncommon, but MSEDA continues to offer Novice and Training level riders the chance to experience this historic format, making it a bucket-list event for many combinations looking to close out their fall season. With roads and tracks, steeplechase, the ten-minute box, and cross-country all on the schedule, Endurance Day is as much a test of horsemanship and preparation as it is athletic ability.

Returning as the three-day clinician this year is Carol Kozlowski, an accomplished eventer who previously competed at the 4* level here at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Bringing her experience at the upper levels of the sport and being no stranger to the long format, Kozlowski brings valuable insight into the traditional format, helping riders navigate the nuances of the event and putting the success and safety of the horse first.

While the long-format experience can seem daunting, three-day clinician Carol Kozlowski emphasizes that each phase serves a specific purpose in preparing horse and rider for the ultimate challenge: cross country.

The day begins with Phase A, roads and tracks, which serves as a warm-up before horses and riders head into Phase B, steeplechase. Unlike the short-format or the modern day long-format, steeplechase gives combinations the opportunity to gallop and jump at a faster pace than the cross-country phase without the added challenge of technical questions.

“It's the first opportunity for the horses and riders to run and jump at a quicker pace than they go cross-country,” explained Kozlowski. “The riders say it gets their eye in.”

The steeplechase phase features open brush fences and sweeping turns that allow riders to establish their speed and confidence.

“They are able to just settle into a rhythm and balance, and they can start to see a stride from six strides out or whatever without having to be super careful, because it's not technical,” Kozlowski said.

Following steeplechase, Phase C offers another stretch of roads and tracks, allowing horses to settle before arriving at the ten-minute box for veterinary checks, cooling, and final preparations for cross-country.

“In a long format, you don't warm up,” Kozlowski explained. “Your steeplechase is your warm-up”

Although Endurance Day requires careful preparation and teamwork, the reward is an experience unlike any other in the sport.

“It can seem pretty overwhelming, but there is no better feeling at the end of the day when you just went out and did it all and you're really proud of your horse,” Kozlowski said.

For three-day competitors at Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge and Three Day event, Endurance Day is more than just another cross country round. It's a chance to celebrate the tradition and horsemanship at the heart of eventing.

Standings After Dressage

Training Three Day

Alena Collins & Master Of Mystery - 29.0

Macy Clark & Presidential Nominee HU - 29.9

Emma Mchugh & Dafni Cs - 30.7

Novice Three Day

Claire Vestrand & I’m a Cool Dude - 28.8

Zara Bewley & Ballyfore Oh Man - 29.9

Maggie Hiltron & Palace Gate - 30.1